Plant Cuttings

What is the preferred method of sterilising your secateurs. Select one (1) answer from the list below.

• With a clean cloth, wipe any residue of the blades of your secateurs.

• Wash in warm water.

• Soak secateurs in methlyated spirits for two minutes.

• All of the above.

When transporting cutting material, what are three (3) things you should do to prolong the viability (freshness) of the plant material?

• Place in a plastic bag and gently seal up.

• Wrap the cutting material gently in damp newspaper.

• Place in a chilled esky (with an ice block) or fridge.

• Wrap your cutting material up in wet newspaper.

What stage of growth should semi-hardwood cuttings be on collection? Select one (1) answer.

• On flowering.

• The stem is starting to thicken as the stem starts to mature. Stem may start to change colour. Generally 6+ weeks old.

• New flush of growth (approx. 6 weeks old).

Summarise the importance on having sharp & clean secateurs for collecting plant material.  Select two (2) answers from the list below.

• Minimises damage to the plant stock and cutting material.

• Minimises the spread of pest & diseases.

• Helps maintain the longevity of your secateurs.

• Because your told to.

When collecting plant material for the purpose of making cuttings, what three (3) characteristics of the stock plant (plant taking cutting material from) should we be looking for?

• Plants are true to type.

• Have recently been pruned.

• Correct growth stage (material) for the type of cutting you are wanting to produce.

• Pest & disease free.

What physical characteristics should you look for in a softwood cutting?  Select one (1) answer.

• When you flex the stem it will snap.

• The stem should be green.

• When you flex the stem it will bend (without snapping).

What state should you ensure your secateurs are in prior to collecting any plant material for cuttings? Select two (2) answers from the list below.

• Latest trending colours.

• Clean.

• Squeeky free.

• Sharp.

Choose the correct description below to describe how to make a wound cut on a semi-hardwood cutting.

• At the base of the cutting, scrape one side of the stem (approx. 1cm in length) to expose the cambium, encouraging root strike.

• Remove the lower leaves at the base of the stem cutting to avoid rotting.

• Scrape the stem to expose the cambium.

Large trees and shrubs are better propagated via seed rather that cuttings, why?Select the two (2) main reasons for this.

• Plants grown from seed will have a stronger root system.

• Genetic diversity.

• Because they will not be clones.

• Because large trees and shrubs produce a lot of seed so it is readily available.

What stage of growth should softwood cuttings be on collection? Select one (1) answer.

• When the plant is dormant.

• New flush of growth (approx. 6 weeks old).

• On flowering.

• All of the above.