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Propagation I
Propagation I 100 Hours Certificate Course
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Learn About Propagation I
Propagation Online Course
In this is a foundation Propagation Online Course you’ll learn how to propagate plants and develop broad skills in this subject
Plants are propagated both sexually (from two parents eg. seed & spore) and asexually (from two parents eg. cuttings, grafting, layers, division). This course deals with the principles of propagation, and all of these methods; as well as materials and equipment. This is a module from the accredited RHS Diploma and provides credit toward IARC accredited diplomas offered by ADL.
“I learned lots of new things about plants and how to grow them, and I have gained a lot of confidence to try things out.” Paula R, Propagation 1 BHT108, UK
see more testimonials…
Course Information
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Lessons
Lesson Structure:Â Propagation I BHT108
There are 10 lessons:
1 Â Introduction to Propagation
- Asexual and sexual propagation
- Aseptic Micropropagation, Runners, Suckers, Layering, Separation, Division, Grafting, Budding, Cuttings, Seed
- Genotype versus Phenotype
- Plant life cycles -phases of the sexual cycle; phases of the asexual cycle
- Annual, Perennial, Biennial Life Cycles
- Propagation Terminology
- Nursery production systems
- Operational Flow Chart for Seed Propagation
2 Â Seed Propagation
- Seed Sources
- Maintaining Genetic Identity of Seed -Isolation, Rogueing, Testing, Hand Pollination
- Hybrid Seed Production
- Storing Seed
- Types of Seed Storage
- Seed Biology -Endospermic, Non Endospermic
- Dormancy Factors Affecting Germination
- Germination Treatments -boiling water, stratification
- Terminology
- Seed Raising Technique
3 Â Potting Media
- Characteristics of Potting and Propagating Media
- Media derived from rock or stone
- Media derived from synthetics
- Organic Media
- Soil Media
- The UC System
- Chemical Charagteristics -eg. pH, Cation Exchange Capacity, Salinity, Conductivity
- Laboratory Testing of Media
- Physical Characteristics
- Potting Mixes
- Propagating Media
- Nutrition at the Propagation Stage
- Nutrition Management and Fertiliser Application
4 Â Vegetative Propagation I
- Reasons to propagate by cuttings
- Types -softwood, hardwood, semi hardwood, herbaceous
- Stem Cuttings, Tip, heel, nodal, basal
- Leaf and Leaf-bud cuttings
- Cane cuttings
- Root Cuttings
- Bulb Cuttings
- Hormone Treatments for Cutting Propagation
- Other Cutting Treatments; basal wounding, anti-transpirants, fungacides, disinfectants, mycorrhyza, etc
- Artificial Light for Propagation
- Cutting Propasgation Efficiency
- Rockwool Propagation
5 Â Vegetative Propagation II
- Care of stock plants
- Layering
- Division
- Terminology
- Managing Watering
6 Â Vegetative Propagation III
- Terminology
- Budding and grafting
- Reasons for Grafting
- How a Graft forms
- Grafting Techniques; Types of Grafts
- What Plant to Graft on What
- Grafting Materials
- Root Grafting, Bench Grafting, Soft Tissue Grafting
- Establishing Rootstocks
- Tissue culture: Applications, Problems, Nutrient Media, Cleanliness, Growing Conditions
- Tissue Culture Procedures and Techniques
- Laboratory Requirements
- Terminology
- Biotech applications in Horticulture
7 Â Propagation Structures and Materials
- Growing in a Greenhouse
- Growing Structures: Types of Greenhouses, Cold Frames, Shadehouses
- Propagating equipment -Heaters, Bottom Heat, Misting, Light Control, Benches etc
- Managing a Greenhouse
8 Â Risk Management
- Nursery hygiene
- Risk assessment and management
- Safety -tools, equipment handling, electricity, etc
- Pest and Disease Management
- Environmental Problems and management
9Â Nursery Management I
- Plant modification techniques
- Management policies
- Keeping Propagation Records
- Nursery Production Systems
10 Â Nursery Management II
- Nursery Standards: Cost Efficiency (Cost of Production, Profit, Sales Price), Quality Standards, Size Standards, Practical Exercise
- The Nursery Site: Size, Planning Restrictions, Site Characteristics, Location
- Designing Facilities in the Nursery: Administrative Offices, Circulation and Parking, Employee Facilities, Chemical Storage, Drainage Network, Production Areas, Storage Areas.
Learning Goals
Learning Goals: Â Propagation I BHT108
- Develop an understanding of the scientific principles of plant propagation and knowledge of production systems used in propagation nurseries
- Understand the factors that influence seed germination and the techniques used in seed propagation
- Understand the components of potting media used in propagating plants
- Understand the techniques used to take cuttings, and the efficiencies in cutting production
- Understand layering, division and other vegetative propagation techniques, and the role of stock plants in vegetative propagation
- Understand the techniques used in tissue culture and budding and grafting plants
- Understand the equipment used in propagating plants
- Understand the importance of nursery hygiene, the risks involved in plant propagation operations and the importance of safe working practices
- Explain plant modification techniques and management policies in nurseries
- To develop an understanding of nursery standards, cost efficiencies, and site planning, establishment and development
Practical (Set Tasks)
Practicals:
- Test soils to determine characteristics which would be valuable to management of any given soil in a horticultural situation
- Identify sandy loam, silty loam, and clay loam soils by feel; and pH testing by soil indicator; and relate to plant selection
- Identify and sow a range of different types of seeds, in different situations, in a way that will optimise successful propagation.
- Propagate a range of plants using different vegetative propagation techniques
- Pot up and provide after care for a range of propagated seedlings and cuttings.
- Plant a range of (different types) plant material.
- Maintain the desired growth type and habit for a range of plants.
- Identify significant woody plants including: Trees; Shrubs; Groundcover; & Conifers
- Identify a range of significant plant problems including pests, diseases and others.
- Identify a range of non woody and indoor plants of horticultural significance.
- Conduct a risk assessment of a horticultural workplace to determine safe working practices and select appropriate personal safety clothing and equipment.
- You will visit and contact various sites involved in propagation (real or virtual), including relevant workplaces. Through these visits the student will develop an awareness of workplaces and practical applications of the subject.
Examinations
Program Summary
More Information
Assessment
Assessment is based on a combination of completing all assignments and sitting for a final short one and a half hour exam, in your own location.
If you don’t cope well with exams then you may elect to undertake a project instead. This is a popular option.
In addition, most modules have a Set Task at the end of each lesson placed before the assignment. This is an opportunity to undertake practical work to help you acquire knowledge and skills and practical experience. This ADL feature is an added bonus not found at most online schools. Set Tasks are not required for assessment.Â
Some courses also have optional Self-Tests which are available on our online learning platform. These are not available by correspondence or by USB, and do not form part of your overall grade.
How our courses work
- Choose Your Learning Method
You choose how you would like to receive your course material, i.e., Online, USB or Correspondence. The choice is yours. You may also work on online or offline. - Tutor Allocation
Every student is assigned their own dedicated tutor who is an expert in their subject area. They provide as much or as little individual contact as you require. You can contact your tutor whenever you need – your hours are not limited. - Feedback and Assignments
Tutor Feedback is an essential component in helping you understand the subject matter. Tutor feedback is given in the form of notes written on the assignment. We encourage you to contact your Tutor where help with clarification and understanding of course material may be required.
Your assignments are located at the end of each lesson. You submit them for marking whenever you are ready. There is no time limit.  - Set Tasks and Self-Tests
Most modules have a Set Task at the end of each lesson before for the assignment. This is where you get the opportunity to undertake practical work to help you acquire knowledge, skills and practical experience. Many modules also have short Self-Tests. - Exams
Once all assignments have been completed you may then elect to sit for a one and half hour exam in your own location. If you prefer not to take the exam you do have the option to undertake a project instead.
Once the exam or project part of the course is completed, your Certificate is then processed. Please allow approximately 4 weeks for this. - Design Your Own Qualification
ADL offers students the flexibility to self-design their own qualification – bundling together a combination of 100-hour modules into a qualification higher than a certificate.
FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here is a list of the most often asked FAQ’s.
General
Q. Why should I enrol with the Academy for Distance Learning?
A. Here at ADL, our students are our priority – we treat everyone as a unique individual.
Q. Do I need to buy text books?
A. No, as each module has been written by highly qualified industry professionals. The content of the material is presented in such a way that text books are not required. However, if you require additional reading your tutor will be able to supply a list.
Q. What happens if I have to stop studying for a while? (eg. become sick, go on holidays, have a baby, move house, etc)
A. It’s OK to take a break and start up your study at a later point in time. Just let us know.
Q. Is there an age limit?
A. There is no maximum age limit. We do however, have a minimum age limit of 18 years. Below that age parental consent would be required.
Q. Are your courses up-to date?
A. Our courses are revised and updated on a rotation system.
Q. Do you have a Cancellation policy?
A. Yes. We have a cancellation policy that is fair and equitable. For further details please click here.
Q. Will I have any opportunity to engage with other students?
A. We have a Student Community group based on facebook! If you don’t have a facebook account already, you could make one just for talking with fellow students on the group.
Enrolment
Q. When can I enrol/start?
A. You may enrol and start at any time of the year – it’s all self- paced.
Q. Can I study from anywhere in the world?
A. Our courses are available to anyone, anywhere in the world from the comfort of your own home. The course content is relevant to any country, culture or economy.
Q. How long do I have to complete the course?
A. You complete the course at any time that is convenient for you.
Q. Completing a 100 hour module – how long will it take?
A. For some students a 100 hour module will take approximately to 3- 6 months to complete. Others take less time and some even longer.
Assessment
Q. Assessment – how does it work?
A. For each 100 hour module you are assessed by assignments (at the end of each lesson) and a final one and a half hour exam (or you may elect to complete a Project, instead of sitting the exam) – the choice is yours – you sit for the exam in your own location.
Q. I don’t cope well with exams – what can I do?
A. You may elect to undertake a Project (set by your tutor) instead of sitting the exam. Projects are completed from your home and can usually take a couple of weeks to complete.
Q. If my assignment is not up to standard is there an opportunity to resubmit my work?
A. Yes –
Q. How many assignments do I need to complete for each module?
A. At the end of each lesson, there is an assignment – so if a course has say, 10 lessons, there would be 10 assignments.
Q. I am having difficulty attending workshops/industry meetings, what can be done?
A. If your course requires attendance at workshops, conferences, or industry meetings; alternative arrangements can be made in your country.
Qualifications
Q. What qualification will I receive?
A. For individual modules, you would be awarded a Certificate endorsed by TQUK (Training Qualifications, UK), providing you complete all assignments and the exam. If you just want to complete only the assignments and not sit for the exam or finish a Project, then a Letter of Achievement would be awarded. For more details on qualifications available please click here.
Q. Can I customize my diploma/higher qualification?
A. Not all educational institution’s certificates /diplomas meet everyone’s needs. The opportunity to Design Your Own Diploma at the Academy (subject to our approval) is an added bonus, not found at other colleges. You choose modules that you think will help you in achieving your goal.
Q. What do I get when I complete the course? Will I receive a transcript?
A. At the completion of all courses and providing all assignments and exam requirements have been met, you will receive your Award and a Transcript.
Tutors
Q. Our tutors – who are they?
A. We appoint Tutors and require that they must be currently active in their industry, with at least 5 years’ experience in their chosen profession.
Q. Can I contact my tutor at any time?
A. Yes – you have unlimited access to your tutor via email through our Online Classroom. You can always leave a message with ADL requesting your tutor to contact you. You decide on how much or how little contact you wish to have.
Q. Practical work – How is this done?
A. To find out more about this part of the course please visit the section on How Our Courses Work here.
Career Options
What's Included
Excerpt From The Course
ORGANIC MEDIA
Sawdust
Hardwood sawdust (e.g. from Eucalypts) should be composted before use. Some softwood sawdust should never be used because of highly toxic chemicals they contain. Pinus radiata sawdust has been successful for short term growing without composting (e.g. for propagation but not for growing a 6 month crop).
Most sawdust will undergo decomposition while the plants are growing if not composted first, and throughout that process, the decomposing bacteria will draw on nitrogen from the nutrient solution leaving the plants with a lack of nitrogen. Coarse sawdust has been used successfully in potting soils in Australia; fine sawdust is used by hydroponic growers in Canada, though fine sawdust has displayed problems when used in potting mixes in Australia. Cation exchange capacity is good, but not as high as in peat.
Peat Moss
Peat moss is dug from swampy ground in cool temperate climates. It is the partially decomposed remains of plants (mainly mosses and sedges). The specific characteristics of peat can vary from one deposit to another though the following generalisations can be made:
- Peat has a high water holding capacity.
- Sphagnum peat generally has better aeration when wet than sedge peat.
- They are not totally free of nutrients. Some peat has a lot more mineral salts in them than others.
- Black peat, which is more highly decomposed, is not suitable for propagation at all.
- Peat is always acidic (sometimes as low as 4.00)
- All peat has a high pH buffer capacity
- They have a high cation exchange capacity
- Peat repels water when it dries out. Be careful to never allow the surface of the media to become completely dry.
Peat is useful as an additive to potting media to raise the cation exchange capacity, particularly in run to waste systems, though it will bring micronutrients to the system which could upset the balance of micronutrients supplied in the fertilisers. Only coarse grade, high quality peat should be used in hydroponic culture.
Coconut fibre is produced from the fibrous outer husk of the coconut. It is very similar to peat except that it is a renewable resource and is generally not acidic or saline.
Conservation Issues – Peat Moss Extraction of peat, which is a rapidly diminishing resource, from peatbogs or peat lands has over the past few years become a world-wide environmental concern. Peat bogs support wildlife that is often rare, within a fragile environment. The horticulture industry in some countries has relied on peat resources for many years (the cost of which is gradually increasing as supplies diminish and extraction methods become more and more costly) as additives to potting mix and propagation media. Coir fibre – a renewable resource made from coconut fibre is becoming more established as a viable alternative to peat moss, in many instances. |
THE U.C. SYSTEM
“The U.C. System of soil mixes, soil and plant treatments and handling operations has been developed since 1941 by the Department of Plant Pathology, University of California, Los Angeles, to practically eliminate diseases caused by those organisms and factors which involve the soil. Growers have generally found that they can produce better plants faster, easier, and more dependably by the U.C. system”.
DISEASES among young plants are potentially a catastrophe. It is possible to grow plants for years, paying little attention to disease control, and have little trouble, however if you do get a disease problem, it can also destroy a large proportion of your stock in a very short space of time (even a day or two).
Disease can spread many different ways:
- By dipping cuttings in hormone or water
- Through irrigation or rain water
- Soil on the hose if it’s dropped on the ground
- Soil on the bottom of pots/trays
- On tools, clothes, shoes and workers’ hands
- Contaminated soil mixes or pots
- Infected plant material
A major concept in the U.C. system is to avoid disease by recognising where it comes from and stopping it ever being introduced into the nursery!
The essence of the U.C. system might be summarised as follows:
1. Use a U.C. system type soil mix (see below).
2. Good drainage is provided. This allows for a proper balance between oxygen and water to be maintained in the root zone.
3. Leaching – to remove salt build ups and disease organisms from the soil.
4. Sterilising soil (making it free of disease and weed seeds).
5. Good water (free of disease).
6. Frequent light fertilising (to maintain nutrient levels and replace any nutrient lost by leaching).
7. Disease-free plant material.
8. Cleaning containers (pots, trays etc. are dipped in a chemical such as bleach to kill disease).
9. Sanitation (general cleanliness is practised; benches are washed with chemical, tools dipped, workers walk through foot wash to clean boots, wash hands before work, etc).
Career Opportunities
FAQ - RHS Theory Qualifications
GENERALÂ
If you require further details about any of the RHS industry recognised qualifications please, call one of our friendly RHS Course Advisors on +44 (0)1227 789 649 or email: [email protected]
Q:Â When can I Enrol/Start My RHS Course With ADL?
A: Anytime, Anywhere. There are no enrolment deadlines.
Q:Â I live Overseas. Can I Study From Overseas?
A: You can study any of the RHS theory qualifications overseas. All courses are offered in English. You will need to email RHS Qualifications direct to arrange sitting for your examination overseas.
Q: Is There a Time Limit for Completing an RHS Qualification?
A: At present there are no time limits. However, RHS is contemplating in the future, the introduction of course time-lines.
Q:Â Are There Any Entry Requirements (Pre-Requisites)?
A:Â The RHS Theory courses do not require prerequisites, previous experience or any knowledge of horticulture. You just need passion for all things horticulture.
Q: What Course Should I Start With First? I Am New To RHS Qualifications.
A: We highly recommend that you start with Level 2 – Principles of Garden Planning, Establishment and Maintenance.
Q:Â What Does ADL Course Material Include?
A:Â Includes Power Point Presentations, Videos and written course lessons.
RHS EXAMS
Q:Â When Do Exams Take Place?
A: Exams are held on fixed dates in February and June of each year. You should register as a candidate at least 3 months before these dates, so please do not leave exam registration to the last minute
Q:Â Where Do I Take My Exams?
A:Â UK: You take the exams at the RHS Wisley Centre, located between Cobham and Ripley in Surrey or at other authorised RHS centres around the UK.
Overseas: please email RHS qualifications direct for centre information.
Q:Â Exam Pass Marks?
A:  Module – pass 50%.  Commendation 70%.
Qualification:Â 50% pass for all modules.
Commendation awarded for all modules.
Each question carries a value of 10 marks.
Q: I’m Not Happy With My Exam Results?
A:Â You have the opportunity to re-sit your exam at the next opportunity.
There are no restrictions on the number of re-sits you can take. The highest mark you achieve will remain.,