Download Ohio Plant & Horticultural Science Pathway Units 1–5, Unit 34 used for ODE certification and more Exams Gardening and Horticulture in PDF only on Docsity!
Ohio Plant & Horticultural Science Pathway Units 1–5,
Unit 34 used for ODE certification alignment Exam
Questions And Correct Answers Plus Rationales 2025
Questions cover plant science, horticulture practices, safety, industry careers, and environmental stewardship.
- Which part of the plant is responsible for anchoring it to the ground and absorbing water and nutrients? a. Stem b. Leaf c. Root d. Flower Roots stabilize the plant in soil and absorb water and nutrients essential for plant growth.
- What is the function of chlorophyll in plants? a. Absorbs oxygen b. Captures light energy for photosynthesis c. Transports water d. Stores glucose Chlorophyll allows plants to capture sunlight and convert it into chemical energy during photosynthesis.
- The process by which water vapor is lost from plant leaves is known as:
a. Respiration b. Photosynthesis c. Transpiration d. Absorption Transpiration helps cool the plant and maintain nutrient flow by evaporating water through the stomata in leaves.
- Which type of plant propagation uses a piece of the plant to grow a new one? a. Sexual b. Asexual c. Pollination d. Fertilization Asexual propagation involves using stems, roots, or leaves to create genetically identical plants.
- What is the main function of xylem tissue in plants? a. Transport of sugars b. Reproduction c. Transport of water and minerals d. Gas exchange Xylem carries water and minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant.
- What nutrient deficiency is indicated by yellowing leaves (chlorosis)? a. Phosphorus b. Nitrogen
a. Store equipment b. Grow plants for compost c. Provide a controlled environment for plant production d. Dry harvested crops Greenhouses regulate temperature, light, and humidity to optimize plant growth. 11.Which term describes the physical condition of the soil? a. Fertility b. Soil structure c. Salinity d. Compaction Soil structure refers to the arrangement of soil particles and pores, affecting drainage and aeration. 12.What is the safest storage practice for pesticides? a. In the greenhouse b. In a locked chemical cabinet away from living areas c. On open shelves d. Near the water hose Pesticides should be stored securely in locked, ventilated areas away from food and water sources. 13.The best method to reduce erosion in a landscape is: a. Use pesticides b. Plant ground cover
c. Apply fertilizer d. Prune regularly Ground cover plants help hold soil in place, reducing erosion. 14.Which element is most associated with root development? a. Nitrogen b. Phosphorus c. Magnesium d. Sulfur Phosphorus promotes root growth and flower development in plants. 15.What is an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy? a. Spray more chemicals b. Eliminate all pests c. Use a combination of biological, cultural, mechanical, and chemical methods d. Ignore pests until damage is visible IPM reduces reliance on chemicals by using multiple pest control strategies. 16.What classification describes plants that lose their leaves annually? a. Coniferous b. Evergreen c. Deciduous d. Tropical Deciduous plants shed their leaves each year, typically in fall. 17.The main reproductive part of the plant is the:
c. Plant diseases d. Pest insects Plant pathologists research and manage diseases that affect plant health. 21.The ideal temperature for most seed germination is: a. 35°F b. 45°F c. 65–75°F d. 90°F Most seeds germinate best in moderate warmth between 65°F and 75°F. 22.What is the main goal of crop rotation? a. Increase water use b. Maximize sunlight c. Improve soil health and reduce pests d. Enhance irrigation Rotating crops helps maintain soil nutrients and prevents buildup of pests and diseases. 23.Which part of the flower develops into fruit? a. Stamen b. Ovary c. Anther d. Petal The ovary of a flower matures into a fruit after fertilization. 24.Which irrigation system is most water-efficient?
a. Sprinklers b. Flood irrigation c. Drip irrigation d. Overhead misting Drip irrigation delivers water directly to plant roots, minimizing waste. 25.What is the first step in diagnosing a plant problem? a. Apply pesticide b. Identify the plant and assess symptoms c. Remove the plant d. Water the plant Correct identification is key to determining the cause of a plant issue. 26.The best pruning time for most deciduous trees is: a. Summer b. Late winter or early spring c. Fall d. Mid-spring Pruning in late winter promotes healthy growth in the spring. 27.Which of the following is NOT a macronutrient? a. Nitrogen b. Zinc c. Phosphorus d. Potassium Zinc is a micronutrient; macronutrients are required in larger amounts.
c. Regulate gas exchange d. Produce seeds Stomata are small openings in leaves that control gas and water vapor exchange. 32.What causes damping-off disease in seedlings? a. Lack of light b. Fungal pathogens in moist soil c. Over-fertilization d. Cold air Damping-off is caused by fungi that thrive in overly wet and warm seed-starting conditions. 33.What is hydroponics? a. Soil fertilization b. Growing plants in a nutrient-rich water solution c. Composting plants d. Organic farming Hydroponics eliminates the need for soil by providing nutrients directly in water. 34.Which tool would you use to break up compacted soil? a. Rake b. Loppers c. Garden fork d. Sprayer A garden fork loosens compacted soil without disturbing plant roots too much.
35.Which job in horticulture focuses on selling plants and advising customers? a. Soil scientist b. Entomologist c. Garden center associate d. Turf manager Garden center associates combine plant knowledge with retail and customer service. 36.Which factor is most important when choosing plants for landscaping? a. Price b. Climate compatibility c. Size of nursery d. Fertilizer brand Selecting plants suited to the local climate ensures long-term survival. 37.Which law protects agricultural workers from pesticide exposure? a. Clean Water Act b. Worker Protection Standard (WPS) c. Safe Soil Act d. Farm Labor Law WPS ensures proper pesticide handling and training for agricultural employees. 38.What is one benefit of mulching? a. Increases soil erosion b. Reduces soil nutrients
a. Require more pesticide b. Adapted to local conditions and require less maintenance c. Produce larger fruit d. Flower year-round Native plants thrive in local environments with minimal inputs. 43.Which nutrient promotes flower and fruit development? a. Nitrogen b. Calcium c. Potassium d. Iron Potassium supports flowering, fruiting, and stress resistance. 44.What is a major environmental concern in horticulture? a. Too much sunlight b. Pesticide runoff contaminating water sources c. Cold temperatures d. Low yields Runoff from pesticides and fertilizers can pollute nearby streams and ecosystems. 45.What PPE should be worn when spraying pesticides? a. Hat and shorts b. Gloves, goggles, and protective clothing c. Regular shoes and apron d. Sunglasses and tank top
Proper PPE protects the skin, eyes, and lungs from chemical exposure. 46.Which of these is a biological pest control method? a. Herbicide application b. Introducing beneficial insects c. Burning crops d. Trapping rodents Beneficial insects like ladybugs can naturally reduce pest populations. 47.What is the term for adjusting plants to a new environment? a. Translocation b. Pruning c. Hardening off d. Fertilizing Hardening off prepares indoor-grown plants for outdoor conditions. 48.What does the USDA hardiness zone map indicate? a. Soil texture b. Minimum winter temperatures for plant survival c. Irrigation needs d. Plant colors The zone map helps gardeners choose plants that can survive local winters. 49.Which crop is commonly used as a cover crop? a. Tomato b. Lettuce
c. Encourages erosion d. Makes weeds grow faster Raised beds provide better soil structure, drainage, and reduced compaction. 53.Which component of the soil contributes to water retention? a. Sand b. Gravel c. Clay d. Silt Clay particles are very small and hold water more effectively than sand or gravel. 54.Which plant growth stage follows germination? a. Dormancy b. Seedling c. Pollination d. Fruiting After germination, the plant enters the seedling stage where initial leaves and roots develop. 55.What is the ideal container for starting seeds? a. Deep plastic pots b. Shallow trays with drainage c. Glass jars d. Mulch bags Shallow trays allow for even watering, light exposure, and early root growth.
56.What term describes when plants bend toward light? a. Photoperiodism b. Phototropism c. Hydrotropism d. Geotropism Phototropism is a growth response in which plants bend toward light sources. 57.What is the most common sign of overwatering? a. Yellow leaves and root rot b. Dry, brown leaves c. Wilting and soggy soil d. Rapid flowering Overwatering suffocates roots, causing wilting and yellowing despite wet soil. 58.Which is a symptom of iron deficiency in plants? a. Brown tips b. Interveinal chlorosis (yellowing between veins) c. Cracking bark d. Excessive flowering Iron deficiency causes yellowing of leaves while veins remain green. 59.What is the role of mycorrhizae in soil? a. Cause disease b. Improve nutrient absorption in roots c. Compete with plant roots d. Repel insects
c. Identifies pest and disease problems early d. Increases pesticide use Scouting helps monitor crop health and prevent damage before it becomes severe. 64.Which plant hormone is associated with fruit ripening? a. Auxin b. Ethylene c. Gibberellin d. Cytokinin Ethylene is a natural plant hormone that triggers fruit ripening. 65.What is the purpose of scarification? a. Increase seed dormancy b. Change flower color c. Break hard seed coats to improve germination d. Control pests Scarification breaks or softens hard seed coats to allow water absorption and germination. 66.What practice improves light penetration in fruit trees? a. Fertilization b. Tilling c. Pruning d. Flooding
Pruning opens the canopy, allowing sunlight to reach inner branches and improve fruiting. 67.Which part of the plant contains the pollen? a. Pistil b. Anther c. Ovary d. Sepal The anther, part of the stamen, produces and releases pollen. 68.What is the term for the transfer of pollen from an anther to a stigma? a. Germination b. Pollination c. Fertilization d. Propagation Pollination is the act of pollen reaching the stigma for possible fertilization. 69.Which nutrient helps strengthen plant cell walls? a. Iron b. Calcium c. Zinc d. Phosphorus Calcium is essential for strong cell wall development and overall plant health. 70.Which element is used to describe a plant’s ability to resist drought? a. Fertility b. Drought tolerance
