Plant Propagation

Course Schedule - Week 4

When you plant a seed, it doesn't just magically germinate. Rather, there are three distinct metabolic "phases" that make up the germination process. All three can be manipulated to increase the vigor, uniformity and speed at which seed germinate, which we'll discuss during this class. We'll also discuss techniques for tracking/measuring the germination process.

Then, by noon today I will email you the fifth quiz (Quiz #5) of the semester. Your completed quiz will be due to me via email by midnight, tonight. I will post a brief quiz grading rubric by noon tomorrow (Tuesday) and your grading effort will be due by midnight this Friday, February 10th.

For many students, the most difficult part of the entire course is developing a foundational understanding of seed dormancy - i.e., the inability of viable seeds to germinate even when exposed to ideal conditions. We'll spend today discussing this topic using Carol and Jerry Baskin's classic Native Plants Journal article "When Breaking Seed Dormancy Is a Problem" as a guide.

We'll also work through an exercise where groups will decode a seed dormancy scenario using the keys found in "Determining Dormancy Breaking and Germination Requirements from the Fewest Seed". (Note: you can download a complete .pdf copy of the article by clicking here.)

Finally, by noon today I will email you the sixth quiz (Quiz #6) of the semester. Your completed quiz will be due to me via email by midnight, tonight. As always, I'll post a brief grading rubric by noon tomorrow (Thursday) and your grading effort will be due by midnight this coming Sunday, February 12th.

Normally, we would be on the road today to Dickman Farms in Auburn, New York. A Ball Horticultural Company network "rooting station," this fourth-generation family-owned, ten+ acre greenhouse operation propagates and ships more than ten million bedding plant seedlings and rooted cuttings each year!

However, due to COVID-related restrictions needed to protect their employees, we'll instead visit via a series of videos I recorded several years ago without ever anticipating that they would be useful as an alternative to an in-person visit!

To prepare for this field "trip," please review the observations I will expect you to make by going to the Field Trip Observations page. In addition to the opportunity to earn extra credit points, you will want to be prepared to address related questions during future quizzes and exams.

Video 1 - Stem Cutting Propagation Introduction (link)

Video 2 - Hand Sticking Stem Cuttings (link)

Video 3 - Boilers and Radiant Floor Heat (link)

Video 4 - Selling Time and Space (link)

Video 5 - Water Treatment and IPM Overview (link)

Video 6 - Seed Germination and Record-Keeping (link)

Video 7 - Product Shipment Overview (link)

Video 8 - Main Growing Range Overview (link)

Video 9 - Seed Crop Range and Greenhouse Industry Overview (link)

Video 10 - Pruning Machine (link)

Video 11 - Beneficial Insects (link)

Video 12 - Product Pulling and Order Building (link)

Finally, this week's quiz-related reminders.

• Your Quiz #5 grading effort is due to me by midnight this Friday, February 10th.
• Your Quiz #6 grading effort is due to me by midnight this coming Sunday, February 12th.
• There will NOT be any quizzes next week. Rather, the first exam assessment of the semester will be next Wednesday, February 15th.