Download North Carolina Horticulture I & II CTE practice exam covering Units 1–5 and Unit 34 Exam and more Exams Gardening and Horticulture in PDF only on Docsity!
North Carolina Horticulture I & II CTE practice exam
covering Units 1–5 and Unit 34 Exam Questions And
Correct Answers Plus Rationales 2025
- What is the primary function of xylem in plants? A. Photosynthesis B. Reproduction C. Transport of water and minerals D. Transport of sugars Xylem transports water and dissolved minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant.
- Which soil texture has the greatest water-holding capacity? A. Sand B. Silt C. Clay D. Loam Clay particles are small and compact, holding water more effectively than other textures.
- What is the best pH range for most horticultural crops? A. 3.0–4. B. 5.0–5. C. 6.0–7. D. 7.5–8.
Most horticultural crops prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil pH for optimal nutrient uptake.
- What is an example of asexual plant propagation? A. Seed planting B. Stem cuttings C. Cross-pollination D. Grafting Stem cuttings are a method of asexual reproduction, producing genetically identical offspring.
- What is the first step in the scientific method used in horticultural research? A. Data collection B. Problem identification C. Conclusion D. Experimentation Scientific research begins with identifying a problem or question to investigate.
- What is the horticultural term for the process by which plants lose water vapor from leaves? A. Absorption B. Diffusion C. Transpiration D. Condensation Transpiration helps regulate temperature and water movement in plants.
D. Reflects sunlight Organic mulch reduces evaporation and keeps the soil moist for longer. 11.Which pruning technique removes the tip of a stem to encourage bushier growth? A. Deadheading B. Pinching C. Heading back D. Shearing Pinching stops apical dominance and promotes lateral shoot development. 12.Which of the following tools is used to measure soil pH? A. Hydrometer B. Ruler C. pH meter D. Compass A pH meter provides an accurate reading of soil acidity or alkalinity. 13.What part of the flower becomes the fruit? A. Sepal B. Stamen C. Ovary D. Petal The ovary contains ovules, which develop into seeds, and the ovary itself becomes the fruit.
14.Which term refers to the upward movement of water in plants? A. Capillarity B. Transpiration pull C. Osmosis D. Active transport Transpiration pull helps move water from roots to leaves due to evaporation at the leaf surface. 15.What is the function of stomata in leaves? A. Absorb water B. Absorb nutrients C. Gas exchange D. Store energy Stomata are pores that regulate the exchange of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water vapor. 16.Which greenhouse covering has the best heat retention? A. Glass B. Fiberglass C. Polyethylene film D. Double-layer polyethylene film Double-layer polyethylene traps more heat, making it energy-efficient. 17.What type of soil amendment improves drainage in clay soils? A. Lime B. Peat moss C. Sand
21.What is the scientific name format for plants? A. Genus-species B. Family-order C. Genus species D. Common-latin Binomial nomenclature uses the Genus and species names (italicized or underlined). 22.Which of the following is a deciduous tree? A. Pine B. Spruce C. Maple D. Cedar Maple trees lose their leaves seasonally, making them deciduous. 23.Which term describes the food production function of a leaf? A. Respiration B. Photosynthesis C. Reproduction D. Absorption Photosynthesis occurs in the chloroplasts of leaves, producing glucose and oxygen. 24.Which of these tools is used for digging holes for trees? A. Rake B. Spade C. Hoe
D. Pruner A spade is designed for digging and turning soil, especially when planting trees. 25.Which type of plant completes its life cycle in one season? A. Biennial B. Perennial C. Annual D. Evergreen Annuals grow, flower, seed, and die within one growing season. 26.What is a symptom of nitrogen deficiency in plants? A. Purple stems B. Leaf curling C. Yellowing leaves D. Spotting Chlorosis (yellowing) in older leaves is a common sign of nitrogen deficiency. 27.Which propagation method uses a section of stem with buds? A. Grafting B. Budding C. Cutting D. Division Cuttings involve placing stem sections in growing medium to root. 28.What type of pest damages plants by sucking sap? A. Beetle
32.What is the male part of a flower called? A. Pistil B. Stamen C. Petal D. Sepal The stamen consists of the anther and filament, producing pollen. 33.Which plant hormone promotes cell elongation? A. Ethylene B. Auxin C. Cytokinin D. Gibberellin Auxins are primarily responsible for directional growth through elongation. 34.What is the correct method of watering to reduce foliar diseases? A. Overhead watering B. Drip irrigation C. Sprinkler D. Misting Drip irrigation applies water directly to the root zone, avoiding wet leaves. 35.What is the most sustainable way to manage garden pests? A. Insecticides B. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) C. Herbicides
D. Trapping IPM uses multiple strategies to manage pests with minimal environmental impact. 36.Which soil property is most affected by organic matter? A. Texture B. Structure C. Color D. Temperature Organic matter improves soil structure by increasing aggregation and porosity. 37.What is the term for a plant that lives more than two years? A. Annual B. Biennial C. Perennial D. Ephemeral Perennials grow year after year without replanting. 38.Which practice helps conserve water in landscaping? A. Frequent shallow watering B. Daily overhead irrigation C. Mulching D. Removing turf Mulch retains soil moisture and reduces evaporation. 39.What is the North Carolina state tree? A. Dogwood
43.What does a soil test primarily determine? A. Texture B. Nutrient content C. Temperature D. Organic matter Soil tests reveal the nutrient status and pH to guide fertilization. 44.What type of plant is propagated by runners? A. Corn B. Strawberry C. Sunflower D. Carrot Strawberries send out runners that root and form new plants. 45.What is the function of chlorophyll? A. Absorb nutrients B. Absorb sunlight C. Transport water D. Protect leaves Chlorophyll captures light energy used in photosynthesis. 46.Which part of the plant absorbs water and minerals? A. Leaf B. Stem C. Root hairs D. Flowers Root hairs increase surface area for absorption of water and minerals.
47.What is a career in managing plant pests and diseases called? A. Botanist B. Plant pathologist C. Horticulturist D. Soil scientist Plant pathologists specialize in diagnosing and controlling plant diseases. 48.Which pruning tool is best for cutting thick branches? A. Hand pruners B. Loppers C. Shears D. Knife Loppers have long handles and strong blades to cut thicker branches. 49.What is hardening off in plant production? A. Fertilizing B. Mulching C. Acclimating plants to outdoor conditions D. Grafting Hardening off helps transplants adjust to sunlight, wind, and temperature outdoors. 50.What is the most important safety rule when using pesticides? A. Wear boots B. Apply at noon C. Follow label instructions D. Use more for effectiveness
54.What is the process by which pollen is transferred from the anther to the stigma? A. Germination B. Fertilization C. Pollination D. Propagation Pollination must occur before fertilization for seed development to begin. 55.What is the term for the growing point at the tip of a stem? A. Lateral bud B. Node C. Apical meristem D. Internode The apical meristem is responsible for vertical growth and primary tissue formation. 56.What is a common symptom of overwatering plants? A. Wilting B. Yellowing leaves C. Strong stem growth D. Flower drop Too much water can suffocate roots, causing leaves to yellow and eventually rot. 57.What is the best way to prevent compaction in garden soil? A. Use chemical fertilizers B. Water frequently
C. Avoid walking on garden beds D. Add clay Walking on soil compresses it, reducing aeration and water infiltration. 58.Which plant structure anchors it and absorbs nutrients? A. Flower B. Root C. Leaf D. Petiole Roots stabilize the plant and serve as a conduit for nutrient and water absorption. 59.What is the name of the structure that connects the leaf blade to the stem? A. Midrib B. Lamina C. Petiole D. Node The petiole is the stalk that attaches the leaf blade to the stem. 60.What type of lighting is best for promoting vegetative growth in greenhouses? A. Red light B. Infrared light C. Blue light D. Green light Blue light promotes chlorophyll production and leaf expansion.
C. Chlorophyll is broken down D. Water is stored Photosynthesis produces glucose (sugar) from sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide. 65.What is the term for cutting grass to a uniform height? A. Pruning B. Mowing C. Deadheading D. Scarifying Mowing maintains turf at a desired height and improves appearance and health. 66.Which structure supports the flower and connects it to the plant? A. Ovary B. Peduncle C. Sepal D. Filament The peduncle is the stalk that supports the flower and connects it to the stem. 67.What is the function of nitrogen in plant growth? A. Stimulates root growth B. Aids in seed formation C. Promotes leaf and stem growth D. Enhances fruit color
Nitrogen helps in the formation of chlorophyll, promoting lush green foliage. 68.What is the correct definition of loam? A. Soil with mostly sand B. Soil with mostly clay C. Balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay D. Soil rich in gravel Loam is ideal for plant growth due to its balanced texture and nutrient capacity. 69.Which plant part conducts photosynthesis? A. Root B. Stem C. Leaf D. Flower Leaves contain chloroplasts, where photosynthesis takes place. 70.What is the most effective time to water plants to avoid disease? A. Midday B. Night C. Early morning D. Late afternoon Early morning watering allows leaves to dry quickly, reducing the chance of disease. 71.What is the term for plant growth in response to gravity? A. Hydrotropism
