Propagation I BHT108

A foundation in propagating plants. Develop your broad skills in plant propagation. The module is aimed primarily at people who work (or plan to) in the nursery industry, but will be of value to anyone with a broad interest in propagating plants.

If you find parts of this subject difficult, we recommend that you should pause and read through a book on botany or general plant propagation before proceeding. The student will be required to visit and telephone various sites, including relevant workplaces, to observe, inspect or interview employees or management. Through these visits the student will develop an awareness of workplaces and practical applications of the subject.

Course Structure The course is divided into ten lessons as follows:

1. Introduction to Propagation - asexual and sexual propagation, plant life cycles, nursery production systems
2. Seed Propagation
3. Potting Media
4. Vegetative Propagation I - cuttings
5. Vegetative Propagation II - care of stock plants; layering, division and other techniques
6. Vegetative Propagation III - budding and grafting, tissue culture
7. Propagation Structures and Materials - greenhouses, propagating equipment
8. Risk Management - nursery hygiene, risk assessment and management
9. Nursery Management I - plant modification techniques, management policies
10. Nursery Management II - nursery standards, cost efficiencies, site planning and development

Learning Outcomes

• Develop the ability to source information on plant propagation, through an awareness of industry terminology and information sources.
• Plan the propagation of different plant species from seeds, using different seed propagation methods.
• Plan the propagation of different types of plants from cuttings, using different cutting propagation methods.
• Plan the propagation of various types of plants using a range of propagation techniques, excluding cuttings and seed.
• Determine the necessary facilities, including materials and equipment, required for propagation of different types of plants.
• Determine a procedure to minimise plant losses during propagation.
• Determine the management practices of significance to the commercial viability of a propagation nursery.
• Design a propagation plan for the production of a plant.

What You Will Do In This Course
Here are some examples of what you may do:

• 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.

comprehensive course to develop your broad skills in plant propagation.
(formerly Advanced Propagation). This subject assumes a very general knowledge of basic plant propagation and botany. If youparts of this subject difficult, we recommendyou review a book onplant propagation before proceeding.
The subject is aimed primarily at people who work in the nursery industry, but will be of value to anyone with a broad interest in propagating plants. The student will be required to visit and telephone various sites, including relevant workplaces, to observe, inspect or interview employees or management. Through these visits the student will develop an awareness of workplaces and practical applications of the subject.