Maharashtra HSC Multi-Skill Gardening (NSQF) flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Olericulture

The branch of horticulture dealing with the cultivation and production of vegetables, including their nursery raising, field culture and harvesting.

Pomology

The branch of horticulture concerned with the cultivation, production and study of fruit crops, including orchard management and post-harvest handling.

Floriculture

The branch of horticulture concerned with growing and marketing flowering and ornamental plants, including cut flowers, loose flowers and potted plants.

NSQF Level 4

A qualification level in the National Skills Qualification Framework indicating a candidate can work independently with some responsibility, aligned to industry-validated job roles.

Photosynthesis equation

6CO2 + 6H2O + light energy yields C6H12O6 + 6O2; it occurs in chloroplasts and converts light energy into chemical energy stored in sugars.

Transpiration

Loss of water as vapour from plant surfaces, mainly through stomata. It drives water and mineral uptake and cools leaves, but excess loss causes wilting.

Monocot and dicot

Monocots have one cotyledon, parallel venation, fibrous roots and flower parts in threes; dicots have two cotyledons, reticulate venation, taproots and parts in fours or fives.

Binomial nomenclature

The two-part scientific naming system using genus and species. The genus is capitalised, the species is lower case, and both are italicised in print.

Soil texture classes

Sand particles are 0.05-2 mm, silt 0.002-0.05 mm and clay below 0.002 mm. Loam is a balanced mixture and is generally the best garden soil.

Soil pH scale

A 0-14 scale of soil acidity and alkalinity. Values below 7 are acidic, 7 is neutral and above 7 is alkaline; most vegetables grow best at pH 6.0-7.0.

Essential macronutrients

The six elements needed in large amounts by plants: nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and sulphur. They build proteins, nucleic acids and cell structures.

NPK fertiliser label

The label states percentage of nitrogen, phosphorus as P2O5 and potassium as K2O by weight. Urea is 46% N; DAP is 18% N and 46% P2O5.

Fertigation

Application of water-soluble fertilisers through a drip irrigation system. It delivers small, frequent nutrient doses directly to the root zone and suits protected cultivation.

Vegetative propagation

Asexual reproduction using plant parts such as stems, leaves or roots to produce genetically identical offspring. Methods include cuttings, layering, grafting, budding and division.

Air layering

A propagation method where bark is ringed, rooting hormone applied, and moist moss wrapped in polythene around the wound until roots form before separation.

Grafting compatibility

Successful grafting requires cambium-to-cambium contact between scion and rootstock of compatible species, sharp sterile tools and a tight, secure wrap.

Germination percentage

Germination percentage equals the number of seeds germinated divided by the number of seeds sown, multiplied by 100. It measures seed viability.

Damping-off

A seedling disease caused by Pythium or Rhizoctonia that rots the stem at soil level. Prevented by sterile media, good ventilation, wider spacing and avoiding overwatering.

Transplanting stage

Seedlings are transplanted at the 4-6 true-leaf stage, preferably in the evening or on a cloudy day, and watered immediately to settle the roots.

Pruning

Removal of dead, diseased and crossing branches to improve light and air penetration, shape the plant and encourage productive growth.

Mulching

Covering the soil surface with straw, leaves or plastic film to suppress weeds, conserve moisture and moderate soil temperature around plants.

Drip irrigation

A micro-irrigation method delivering water slowly through emitters to the root zone. It saves 40-60% water compared with flood irrigation and reduces leaf wetness.

Critical irrigation stages

Growth stages when water shortage most reduces yield: flowering and fruit development in vegetables, and fruit enlargement in fruit trees.

Field drainage

Removal of excess soil water through slopes and channels. Waterlogging suffocates roots and causes rot, so gardens need 1-2% slope and drainage channels.

Integrated pest management

A control hierarchy of cultural, mechanical, biological and chemical methods, where pesticides are used only as a last resort after monitoring.

Sticky colour traps

Yellow sticky traps monitor whitefly and aphids, while blue sticky traps monitor thrips. They give early warning of sucking pest populations.

Pre-harvest interval

The waiting period between the last pesticide spray and harvest, stated on the label to ensure residues in the produce stay within safe limits.

Secateurs use

A hand pruning tool for cutting stems up to about 1-1.5 cm. Loppers are used for thicker branches and a pruning saw for branches over 3-4 cm.

Sprayer PPE

Personal protective equipment for spraying includes gloves, respirator or mask, goggles, boots, apron and hat. Never eat, drink or smoke while spraying.

Hardscape and softscape

Hardscape refers to non-living landscape elements such as paths, walls, paving and pergolas; softscape refers to living plants such as trees, shrubs, lawn and groundcovers.

Formal versus informal garden

A formal garden is symmetrical with geometric layout, clipped hedges and straight paths; an informal garden is asymmetrical with curved paths and naturalistic planting.

Break-even point

The output at which total income equals total cost. It is calculated as fixed costs divided by selling price per unit minus variable cost per unit.