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1. What is the definition of plant taxonomy?

The grouping of biological forms into various categories is known as taxonomy.

Plant morphology (b)

Plant morphology is defined as "the study of the development, shape, and structure of plants, as well as
an attempt to interpret these on the basis of plan and origin similarities." Plant morphology is divided
into four key areas of study, each of which intersects with another subject of biology.

d) Anatomy of plants

The study of the tissue and cell structure of plant organs is known as plant anatomy. When it comes to
plants, anatomy refers to features that can be seen under a high-powered light microscope or an
electron microscope.

c) Physiology of plants

Plant physiology is the study of plant function and behaviour, encompassing all the dynamic processes of
growth, metabolism, reproduction, defence, and communication that account for plants being alive

Scientific classification for Banana:

 KINGDOM: Plantae
 PHYLUM - DIVISION: Magnoliophyta
 CLASS: Liliopsida
 ORDER: Zingiberales
 FAMILY: Musaceae
 GENUS: Musa L
 SPECIES: Musa X paradisiaca  L. (pro sp.) 
 Scientific classification for tomato:
 KINGDOM: Plantae
 PHYLUM - DIVISION: Magnoliophyta
 CLASS: Magnoliopsida
 ORDER: Solanales
 FAMILY: Solanaceae
  GENUS: Solanum
 SPECIES: S. lycopersicum

Scientific classification for taro:

 KINGDOM: Plantae
 PHYLUM - DIVISION: Tracheophyta
 CLASS: Liliopsida
 ORDER: Alismatales
 FAMILY: Araceae
 GENUS: Colocasia
 SPECIES: Colocasia esculenta

 Scientific classification for walnut:

 KINGDOM: Plantae
 PHYLUM - DIVISION: Magnoliophyta
 CLASS: Magnoliopsida
 ORDER: Fagales
 FAMILY: Juglandaceae
 GENUS: Juglans

 Scientific classification for Lettuce:

 KINGDOM: Plantae
 PHYLUM-DIVISION: Tracheophyta
 CLASS: Magnoliopsida 
 ORDER: Asterales
 FAMILY: Asteraceae
 GENUS: Lactuca
 SPECIES: L. sativa
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Cuttings (cucumber, broccoli, pumpkin, tomatoes, etc.) and seed (cucumber, broccoli, pumpkin,
tomatoes, etc.) are examples of propagation procedures (grapevine, roses, fig) - Detached stems, roots,
or leaves from a plant that are utilised to propagate new plants

Layering (litchi, magnolia, rhododendron) - a method of rooting cuttings in which adventitious roots are
established on a stem while the plant is still connected.

Tissue cultured plants (African violets, strawberry) - Growing plants from tiny fragments of plant tissue
in a sterile lab environment.

dividing or dividing
Shoot lengths are cut from rhizomes (ginger)

Runners and stolons (strawberry, grasses)

grafting is the process of joining two or more plants together. Fitting two live pieces of plant tissue
together so that they can link and develop as one plant

blossoming

a kind of grafting in which the scion is made up of only one bud

In vegetative propagation new plants are produced from different vegetative parts such as leaves, stems
and roots. Flower is the reproductive part of a plant. A flower may be unisexual with either the male or the
female reproductive parts.

Although budding is a relatively modern horticultural technique, grafting is a centuries-old practise that is
being used today.

Correspondence:

Budding is a form of grafting, while grafting is a method of plant vegetative growth.

Scion:
Another distinction between budding and grafting is that in blossoming, the scion is a bud, but in grafting,
the scion is a component of the stem.

Growth Period:

Also, budding is done during the active growing season of the stock while grafting is done when the stock is
dormant in the winter and early spring.

Types:

T-bud, inverted T-bud, patch bud, chip bud, I-bud, forkert bud, flute bud, ring/annular bud, etc. are several
types of budding while cleft graft, bark graft, whip graft, side-veneer graft, splice graft, saddle graft, bridge
graft, inarch graft, etc. are several types of grafting.

Importance:

Moreover, budding is mainly used in fruits, ornamental trees, and nut trees while grafting is mainly used to
increase the quality of the fruit, flower or leaves.

example of grafting:

roses and fruit trees like peaches, Mango.

example of budding:

apricot, avocado, cherry, citrus, kiwi, mulberry, nectarine, peach, pear, plum.

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PROPAGATING MATERIAL – seeds, all plant material or vegetative parts of plants intended for the
propagation and production of specific variety plants.

Propagation by seed is the largest form of commercial and home propagation.

 The choice where large numbers of plants are required.

Cost per plant tends to be modest

Asexual method (including tissue culture):

 When no variation in genotype is acceptable, such as in fruits or high-quality landscaping

cultivars

 ASEXUAL PROPAGATION
 4
Advantages Disadvantages Disadvantages
largest form of longer time to
commercial and flowering
home
propagation
The choice longer time to
where large harvest
numbers of
plants are
required.
Cost per plant
tends to be
modest
Genetic
variability
Has tap root for
dicots
Most valuable
for forestry
Advantages

higher value plants than is possible with sexual Cost which exceeds that for sexual propagation.
reproduction
no variation in genotype ,achieve desired Skilled workers
characteristics (exact clone)
Shorter time to flower Timing is important- time of the year
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The fertilisation (sexual union) of the male and female portions of the flower produces a seed, which is a
sexual reproductive unit in a plant.

Asexual:

= The process of creating a new plant from a single parent.

A portion of stem, leaf, or root from an existing plant is treated so that it can generate a new plant.

Stratification: Certain seeds must be exposed to cold temperatures prior to germination, which can be
accomplished under moist-chilling conditions (stratification)

Dry seeds are steeped in water for up to 24 hours before being used.

After that, store it in a plastic bag with a moisture-retaining medium.

These bags are kept at 1 to 70 degrees Celsius for 1 to 3 months.

Scarification:

a method of mechanically scratching the seed coat or a technique of mechanically scratching the seed
coat or a method of mechanically scratching the

Scarification of seeds is also possible by immersing them in strong sulfuric acid.

Alternatively, use household bleach for a length of time.

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Seed priming is a technique in which seeds are soaked (hydrated) in a solution and then re-dried, which
allows germination to take place but not sprouting. Primed seeds are most frequently used for direct field
planting, which usually enables more efficient germination of seeds.

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Germination is highly influenced by seed weight. Seeds with a high weight will germinate faster and
provide better results, but seeds with a lower weight will not produce the same outcomes as a high
weight seed.

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The most commonly used tissue explants are the meristematic ends of the plants like the stem tip,
axillary bud tip and root tip.

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PBR-Plants Breeder's Rights,

Commonwealth Trade Practices Act (controls price-fixing, retail price maintenance, credit card
use, overseas exports)
✓ Consumer laws ✓ Warranty and conditions

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Plant tags provide a wealth of information on the plant, including how to cultivate it, its size, colour, and
when it will blossom.

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Growth Speed: It is faster than starting from scratch, saving much more time, money, and space. Repair:
Grafting allows you to fix existing plants or trees that have been damaged. Pollination: Some fruit trees
require cross-pollination with another fruit tree in order to produce fruit.

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A faster and more reliable method for propagation of ornamental grasses is through division. Many
perennial plants benefit from division. You simply dig up the plant when it is going dormant and cut it into
two or more sections with healthy roots and leaves.

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 Propagation by stem cuttings is the most commonly used method to propagate many woody ornamental
plants. Stem cuttings of many favourite shrubs are quite easy to root. Typically, stem cuttings of tree
species are more difficult to root.

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Cambium - a layer of actively dividing cells found within stems and roots.

cambium, plural Cambiums, or Cambia, in plants, layer of actively dividing cells between xylem (wood) and
phloem (bast) tissues that is responsible for the secondary growth of stems and roots (secondary growth
occurs after the first season and results in increase in thickness).

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Diseases and pests:

Weeds near propagation sites can provide a breeding ground for pests and illnesses, as well as a hiding
spot for them.

Debris and inadequate maintenance can result in the following: Areas where pests and disease can
thrive

Pest and disease organisms are transported by humans and vehicles, particularly on items such as
muddy boots, yellow clothes, tractors, and equipment.

Management techniques:

• Only use disinfection solutions that have been freshly produced.

• Maintaining personal hygiene is essential.

• Place hygiene signs and soap dispensers throughout the room.

• Best Management Practice recommendations from Australia's Nursery Industry Accreditation Scheme
(NIASA).

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 physical
 biological
 chemical

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 composted pine bark

 Sand
 Vermiculite - good water holding capacity
 Perlite - light and free draining
 Peat moss & coir peat - water holding capacity
 Sawdust - similar to pine bark (must be composted well)
 Rice husk - free draining.

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SOIL IN POTS PROBLEMS: • The soil may get heavy and saturated • The water may lie on top of the soil
(moss and liverworts)

• The soil frequently shrinks.

• If the soil is allowed to dry up, it is generally difficult to rewet it.

• Some of the soil in the bottom of the container vanished.

• Difficult to duplicate

• It is unsustainable in terms of the environment.

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 All potting mixes are not same. The amount of water, air and nutrients in potting mixes can be deliberately
varied.

 Smaller particles fit closer together and produce smaller pores. Smaller pores hold more
water
 Larger particles are further apart and produce larger pores. Larger pores hold more air
i. What are possible components of a potting mix?
• Solid particles

• Air

• Water

• Fertilizer.

ii. Give a few examples of potting mixes and their composition.

Potting mixes are combinations of ingredients that contribute to those goals. These are
typically soil, sand, compost, coir, pine bark, sphagnum peat, perlite and vermiculite.

Different types of potting soils contain different ingredients. Most potting soils are a combination of pine bark, peat
moss, perlite and vermiculite. Most are sterilized to kill microorganisms that might cause plant diseases

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The components of a potting mix provide the necessary physical and chemical characteristics.

i. How does The Australian standard classify and mark potting mixes?

Potting mixes are classified under the Standard as premium and regular mixes

ii. List the potting media properties as specified by The Australian Standard.

The Australian Standards (AS3743 -2003) determines the physical and chemical properties of
classified potting media.

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RISK
Inhaling dust and/or liquid mists can irritate, inflame, or sensitise the nose, throat, and lungs, causing
symptoms ranging from hay fever to asthma to pneumonia (e.g. Legionnaire's disease) and pneumonia-
like disorders.

Skin irritation may result from direct contact with this substance, its dust, and/or liquid mists (bio-
aerosols) (dermatitis),

and inflammation or infection of the skin or eyes Those who suffer from asthma or allergies are
particularly vulnerable, as are children.

Those whose immune systems have been weakened.

SAFETY:

Avoid contact with eyes and skin.

Avoid breathing dust and/or liquid mists (bio-aerosols).

Wear suitable protective clothing and standard duty gloves (AS/NZS 2161.2).

If exposed to dust and/or liquid mists, also wear dust resistant eye protection (AS/NZS 1336) and
particulate respirator (AS/NZS 1715 and 1716).

Wash thoroughly immediately after handling.

Wash work clothes regularly.

Clean up by wet sweeping or vacuuming.

Store this product in a cool location.

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a) What is the trade name of your product?

Scotts osmocote professional potting mix range.

b) Who is the manufacturer?

 Scotts Australia Pty Ltd.

c) Is there any WH&S concern regarding these potting mixes?

Potting mix is known to carry harmful bacteria and fungi. And there have been reports of deaths from
diseases, such as the Legionnaires' disease (a lung infection), that have been attributed to bacteria in
potting mix. Many bacteria and fungi that can cause infections in people live in soil and water.

d) What are the first aid instructions?

FIRST AID:

Irrigate eyes with plenty of water for 10 minutes.

Wash skin with soap and water.

Seek medical attention for any persistent skin, eye or respiratory symptoms.

e) Summarise the storage for this product stated in the SDS.

Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, out of direct sunlight and moisture. Store in suitable, labelled
containers. Keep containers tightly closed. Keep away from food, drink and animal feeding stuffs. Ensure
that storage conditions comply with applicable local and national regulations.

f) What, if any, are the recommended transport requirements for this product by road as stated on the
SDS.

Road and Rail Transport (ADG Code):

Not classified as Dangerous Goods according to the Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods
by Road and Rail (ADG Code) (7th edition).

g) What is the appearance, according to SDS, of these potting mixes?

appearance of each Info safe SDS displayed is the intellectual property of Chemical Safety
 h) What is the dangerous goods class for these potting mixes?

Not classified as dangerous goods according to the Australian code.

i) What is the GHS classification stated as per the SDS?

Not classified as Hazardous according to the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of
Chemicals (GHS) including Work, Health and Safety Regulations, Australia. Not classified as Dangerous
Goods according to the Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail. (7 th
edition)

j) Are these potting mixes classified as hazardous material?

Not considered to be a hazardous material

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• total water holding capacity • air-filled porosity (AFP) • porous enough to allow for proper draining

• maintains its volume and resists shrinking

• strong and thick to keep the plant in place

• have materials that combine quickly and evenly

• easily replicable

• be able to be readily re-wetted (wettability).

Biological:

Potting soils should be devoid of the following ingredients:

• insects

• pests

• weeds

• unwelcome organisms

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a) Air-filled porosity (AFP)

 It is a measure of how much air is in the pore spaces after the mix is allowed to drain following
saturation.
 It is the amount of air that fills the pores after it has been saturated and allowed to drain.
 AFP is expressed as a percentage (%) of the mix.
b) Water holding capacity (WHC)
 This measures the amount of water that is stored in the potting mix that is available to the plants.
 It is a measure of how much water is left behind in the pore spaces after the mix has drained
following saturation.
c) Wettability (water repellence)
 Wettability or water repellence is a measure of the extent that water runs off rather than enters a
potting mix.
 It is measured by time.
 A mix with good wettability will have a measure of <=5 minutes for a regular potting mix and <=2
minutes for a premium potting mix.
d) pH
 pH is a measure of acidity, neutrality or alkalinity.
 pH is measured on a scale of 1 - 14.
 pH is always written pH
 The pH value of the mix has a bearing on plant growth.
 some plants have preferences for certain pH ranges
 the pH affects the availability of nutrients
e) Electrical conductivity (EC)
 EC is a measure of soluble salts in a potting mix
 Different things can contribute to high EC readings
 ocean sea spray contaminating potting mixes
 fertilisers are salts and will increase conductivity
 breakdown of organic matter can release minerals
  manure and other organic materials
 Using high mineral irrigation water
 EC ideal range depends on the plants tolerance and the fertiliser levels in the mix  seedlings
prefer low levels
 general mixes require higher levels of fertiliser, the EC will be higher
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• Microorganisms are responsible for the breakdown of organic materials.

• Nitrogen drawdown occurs when microorganisms deplete available nitrogen from the mix.

• Microorganisms extract nitrogen from the soil, reducing the amount of nitrogen accessible to plants.

• When the organic components of a potting mix are not decomposed adequately, nitrogen drawdown
develops.

• The Standard specifies how to measure it.

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An increase in toxins in the mix can be caused by insufficient composting of organic components.

A high temperature is a visible sign of a badly composted mix.