Propagate plants.
Propagation could include
- determining propagation methods for selected plants
- using sexual and asexual methods for plant reproduction
- practicing seed harvesting and storage
- discussing pretreatments (e.g., stratification, scarification, pelleted, coated)
- identifying the appropriate substrate, light, temperature, nutrient, and water requirements for the selected plant(s)
- applying pest and disease mitigation strategies and best management practices to prevent and control pests and diseases
- discussing why pesticide application is permitted ONLY by certified pesticide applicators
- discussing the advantages and disadvantages of micropropagation/tissue culture.
Process/Skill Questions:
- What are the differences between sexual and asexual plant propagation?
- How are new varieties and cultivars developed through hybridization?
- What are the cultural requirements for seed germination?
- How is seed safely stored?
- How do seed pretreatments affect seed germination?
- What are the desired characteristics of propagation substrates?
- How does temperature affect propagation?
- What are the water requirements of a propagation area? How can water be regulated?
- How do plant diseases affect the economics of plant propagation?
- How do growers determine whether to purchase plugs and/or cuttings or to produce their own seedlings and rooted cuttings?
- When is micropropagation economically and culturally advantageous?
- What are the costs associated with different methods of propagation?
- How does the location and time of year affect the method of propagation one should use?
- How are seeds stratified?