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Oregon Skill Sets – Horticulture (Units 1–5: foundational
plant and soil science, horticulture practices, tools,
safety; Unit 34: career planning) Questions And Correct
Answers Plus Rationales 2025
- What is the process by which plants make their own food using sunlight? Photosynthesis Photosynthesis is the process plants use to convert light energy, water, and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen.
- Which macronutrient primarily promotes root development in plants? Phosphorus Phosphorus encourages strong root systems and is essential during early plant growth.
- What part of the plant anchors it and absorbs water and nutrients? Roots Roots stabilize the plant and take in essential elements from the soil.
- Which tool is used for pruning small branches? Hand pruners Hand pruners are designed for precision cuts on small stems or branches.
- Which growing medium has the highest water-holding capacity? Peat moss Peat moss retains moisture effectively and improves soil structure.
- What is the purpose of hardening off seedlings? To acclimate them to outdoor conditions Hardening off prepares seedlings for transplant by slowly exposing them to outdoor environments.
- Which of the following is an annual plant? Marigold Annuals complete their life cycle in one growing season, like marigolds.
- Which plant part is responsible for photosynthesis? Leaves Leaves contain chlorophyll and are the main site for photosynthesis.
- What is the function of xylem tissue in a plant? Transport water and minerals upward Xylem carries water and dissolved minerals from roots to other parts of the plant. 10.Which safety equipment is essential when applying pesticides? Gloves and goggles Personal protective equipment (PPE) helps prevent exposure to chemicals. 11.What does pH measure in soil? Acidity or alkalinity Soil pH affects nutrient availability and plant health. 12.Which soil texture has the largest particle size? Sand Sand particles are larger and drain quickly, unlike silt or clay.
20.What is the first step in developing a career plan in horticulture? Self-assessment of interests and skills Understanding personal strengths and interests helps guide educational and career choices. 21.Which gardening practice prevents soil compaction? Using raised beds Raised beds reduce foot traffic over soil, keeping it loose for roots. 22.What is the best time to water plants? Early morning Morning watering reduces evaporation and fungal risks. 23.What does NPK stand for in fertilizer labels? Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium These are the three primary macronutrients essential for plant growth. 24.What is deadheading? Removing spent flowers Deadheading promotes further blooming and prevents seed formation. 25.Which tool is best for preparing large garden beds? Rototiller Rototillers break up compacted soil efficiently for planting. 26.Which horticulture career involves creating outdoor spaces? Landscape architect Landscape architects design and plan functional, aesthetic outdoor environments.
27.What is the main role of stomata in plants? Gas exchange Stomata allow carbon dioxide in and oxygen out for photosynthesis. 28.What is the first visible sign of seed germination? Radicle emergence The radicle (embryonic root) is the first part to emerge. 29.Which greenhouse structure provides the best light transmission? Glass Glass allows maximum sunlight penetration compared to plastics. 30.What is a career pathway within the horticulture industry? Nursery management Nursery managers oversee the production and care of plants for sale. 31.What is loam soil composed of? Sand, silt, and clay Loam provides balanced texture, drainage, and nutrient retention. 32.Which nutrient is responsible for promoting green leafy growth? Nitrogen Nitrogen is essential for chlorophyll and vegetative development. 33.What does the USDA plant hardiness zone map indicate? Climate suitability for plant growth It shows the average minimum winter temperature zones for selecting appropriate plants.
41.Which element is considered a micronutrient in plant nutrition? Iron Micronutrients like iron are needed in small quantities for plant health. 42.Which career involves scientific research on plant improvement? Plant geneticist Plant geneticists develop new varieties with desirable traits like disease resistance. 43.What tool is used for detailed planting and transplanting? Trowel Trowels are hand tools used for small digging tasks. 44.What does a high soil salinity level do to plants? Restricts water uptake Excess salt makes it harder for roots to absorb water, stressing plants. 45.Which plant disease is caused by fungi? Powdery mildew Fungal spores cause white growth on leaves and stems, inhibiting photosynthesis. 46.Why is plant spacing important in horticulture? To allow airflow and reduce disease Proper spacing prevents overcrowding, improving air circulation and plant health. 47.What is a greenhouse? A controlled environment for plant growth
Greenhouses extend the growing season and provide ideal conditions year- round. 48.What should be included in a career portfolio? Resume, certifications, and project samples These showcase skills, experience, and accomplishments to employers. 49.Which career focuses on soil health and crop productivity? Soil scientist Soil scientists analyze soil properties to support healthy plant growth. 50.What is the term for growing plants without soil? Hydroponics Hydroponics uses nutrient-rich water to support plant roots in a soilless system. 51.What type of lighting is most energy-efficient for plant growth in greenhouses? LED LED grow lights use less electricity and produce targeted light spectrums beneficial for photosynthesis. 52.What is the term for the upward growth movement of a plant toward light? Phototropism Phototropism is the plant’s growth response toward a light source. 53.Which propagation method involves layering a stem while still attached to the parent plant?
Plant pathologists study plant diseases and develop management strategies. 60.What is a cultivar? A plant variety developed through selective breeding Cultivars are cultivated varieties selected for traits like size, yield, or color. 61.What is the ideal pH range for most horticultural crops? 6.0–7. This range allows for optimal nutrient uptake for most plants. 62.What is the process of removing male flower parts to prevent self- pollination? Emasculation Emasculation is used in hybridization to ensure controlled pollination. 63.Which of the following is a sign of nitrogen deficiency? Yellowing leaves (chlorosis) Nitrogen deficiency often results in pale or yellow lower leaves. 64.What is the name of the protective layer that forms after a plant is cut or wounded? Callus Callus tissue helps heal wounds and is also used in propagation. 65.Which term describes a plant that has both male and female flowers on the same plant? Monoecious Monoecious plants, like corn, have both male and female reproductive organs on one plant.
66.What is the main purpose of soil testing before planting? To determine nutrient content and pH Soil testing helps guide fertilization and amendment decisions. 67.Which of the following is a warm-season crop? Tomato Tomatoes require warm soil and air temperatures to grow and set fruit. 68.What does transpiration primarily affect in plants? Water loss through leaves Transpiration is the process by which water evaporates from leaf surfaces. 69.What is the name of the growing point at the tip of a stem? Apical meristem The apical meristem is responsible for vertical growth in plants. 70.What is one advantage of using organic mulch over synthetic mulch? It adds nutrients as it decomposes Organic mulch breaks down over time, enriching the soil. 71.Which nutrient is essential for strong cell wall development? Calcium Calcium strengthens cell walls and prevents disorders like blossom-end rot. 72.What is the function of the cambium layer in woody plants? Produces new xylem and phloem The cambium is the growing layer that thickens stems and roots.
80.Which plant hormone promotes elongation and phototropism? Auxin Auxin helps plants grow toward light and supports cell elongation. 81.Why is it important to sterilize tools when propagating plants? To prevent disease spread Clean tools reduce the risk of transferring pathogens between plants. 82.What is the best way to manage fungal disease in plants? Improve air circulation and reduce moisture Fungal spores thrive in wet, stagnant conditions. 83.Which horticulture job focuses on selling and marketing plants and services? Horticultural sales representative Sales reps work with nurseries, landscapers, and retailers. 84.What happens to plant roots if soil is overwatered? Root rot develops Too much water reduces oxygen and leads to fungal diseases. 85.What is the term for grafting a bud onto another plant? Budding Budding involves placing a single bud under the bark of a rootstock. 86.Which tool is used to measure soil moisture levels? Tensiometer Tensiometers help determine how much water is available to plants.
87.What is the purpose of a cold frame in horticulture? To extend the growing season Cold frames protect plants from cold and help start seeds early. 88.What is one environmental benefit of composting? Reduces landfill waste Composting recycles organic matter into soil instead of trash. 89.What are stomata surrounded by? Guard cells Guard cells control the opening and closing of stomata. 90.Which of the following is a non-selective herbicide? Glyphosate Non-selective herbicides kill most vegetation they contact. 91.Which part of the plant is used in micropropagation? Tissue sample Micropropagation uses small tissue pieces grown in sterile lab environments. 92.What is the term for training a plant to grow in a specific shape? Espalier Espalier involves pruning and guiding growth along a frame or wall. 93.Which gas is used by plants during photosynthesis? Carbon dioxide CO₂ is absorbed from the air and used to make sugars.
- Which plant structure connects the leaf to the stem? Petiole The petiole is the stalk that attaches the leaf blade to the stem.
- Why is sterilized potting mix used for seed starting? To prevent damping-off disease Sterile media reduces the risk of fungal pathogens harming seedlings.
- What is the main purpose of using shade cloth in a greenhouse? Reduce heat and light intensity Shade cloth protects plants from heat stress and sunburn.
- What is the name for watering deeply and less frequently? Deep watering This encourages roots to grow deeper and become more drought tolerant.
- Which career requires knowledge of irrigation design and repair? Irrigation technician These professionals install and maintain watering systems.
- What is succession planting? Planting crops at intervals for continuous harvest This technique ensures steady production over time.
- What part of the plant is a carrot? Root Carrots are taproots that store food underground.
- Which is an example of a horticulture-related credential? Certified Horticulturist Industry credentials validate expertise and improve job prospects.
- What is the primary function of the phloem? Transport sugars and nutrients Phloem distributes the products of photosynthesis throughout the plant.
- What happens during photosynthesis? Carbon dioxide and water become glucose and oxygen This process produces food (glucose) and releases oxygen.
