1. | Plant Studies (Note: Candidates will be required to have only an elementary knowledge of botany, soils and plant nutrition and the practical application thereof to gardening and maintaining plants in retail outlets.) | | |
| (a) | botanical Nomenclature and Classification. | | |
| | (i) | botanical classification and the binomial system | | knowing relationships in plant breeding, budding, grafting, pollination, compatibility, and controlling pests, diseases and weeds. |
| | (ii) | botanical and common names. | | using botanical names and confusion caused by use of common names. |
| | (iii) | writing botanical and horticultural names. | | preparing catalogues, planting lists, signs and labels. |
| | (iv) | common botanical terms used to describe plants and plant parts. | | describing and identifying plants. |
| | (v) | classification according to life cycles and growth. | | sowing, planting, and selling annual biennial, and perennial seeds and plants at the right time. |
| (b) | plant Cells. | | |
| | (i) | structure and function of plant cells. | | |
| | (ii) | vegetative cell division. | | |
| (c) | the Root. | | |
| | (i) | root function. | | |
| | (ii) | root systems; tap and fibrous roots, adventitious roots. | | modifying roots by wrenching and root pruning; damaging by cultivation and incorrect watering. |
| | (iii) | root structure, both external and internal. | | propagating by root cuttings; spreading perennial weeds by cultivation. |
| | (iv) | functions of root tissues. | | recognising the effects on roots of poor drainage, insufficient watering of plants in open ground, and of insufficient and excessive watering of plants in containers. |
| | | | | recognising the effects on roots of excessive fertiliser use and soluble salts. |
| | (v) | root modifications. | | propagating by tuberous roots; selecting climbing plants. |
| | (vi) | Mycorrhiza. | | inoculating soil and seeds. |
| (d) | the Stem. | | |
| | (i) | stem functions. | | |
| | (ii) | structure and growth of herbaceous and woody dicotyledon stems and of monocotyledon stems. Functions of stem tissues. | | propagating dicotyledons by cuttings; budding, grafting and layering. Propagating monocotyledons that have specialised stems by vegetative methods. Wound healing; ringbarking. |
| | (iii) | stem modifications both above and below ground. | | propagating by rhizomes, runners, bulbs, corms and tubers. Selecting climbing plants. |
| (e) | the Leaf. | | |
| | (i) | leaf shapes, arrangements and modifications. | | describing and identifying plants. Recognising possible cultural needs. |
| | (ii) | leaf structure. | | |
| | (iii) | functions of leaf tissues. Photosynthesis and conditions affecting it-light, CO2. Transpiration and conditions affecting it-temperature, humidity. | | recognising effects of poor and excess light; providing adequate light in greenhouses and display areas; ensuring an adequate supply of CO2 in greenhouses and display areas; propagating under mist. Determining causes of wilting; controlling heat and humidity in greenhouses, shops and other display areas. |
| | (iv) | respiration (in all plant parts) and conditions affecting it. | | controlling respiration in plants during propagation and subsequent growth. |
| (f) | the Flower. | | |
| | (i) | parts of the flower; flower structure and inflorescence types. | | describing and identifying plants. |
| | (ii) | Monoecious and dioecious plants. Pollination, fertilisation, cross-pollination, compatibility and incompatibility. | | pollinating fruit trees, bushes, vines and fruiting ornamentals; selecting suitable pollinators. |
| | (iii) | Hybrids and hybrid vigour. | | Using F1 hybrids. |
| | (iv) | botanical and popular use of term fruit. | | |
| | (v) | classification of main fruit types. | | describing and identifying plants. |
| (g) | influence of the Environment. Environmental factors and their effect on plant growth. | | selecting plants for specific purposes (such as shelter and specimens) in particular soil and climatic conditions. |
| (h) | soils. | | |
| | (i) | origin and development of soils; soil texture; soil structure; characteristics of sand, silt, clay, loam and organic soils, soil pH. | | recognising suitable soils for gardens and plant growth; pH test kits. |
| | (ii) | plant nutrition and availability of nutrients. | | using soil test kits. |
| | (iii) | soil improvement. | | improving drainage and fertility. |
| | (iv) | compost and other organic material and their uses. | | making and using compost; applying mulches. |
| | (v) | fertilisers and manures and their analysis, uses and application; lime. | | choosing and applying fertilisers and lime. |
2. | plant Health. | | |
| (a) | plant Growth. | | |
| | causes and symptoms of poor growth in plants; pests, diseases and physiological disorders. | | recognising common causes of poor growth in plants; pests, diseases and physiological disorders. |
| (b) | Prevention and Control. | | |
| | methods of prevention and control by exclusion and by cultural and chemical means. | | controlling common pests, diseases and physiological disorders in the home garden and in retail plant outlets. |
3. | plants on Display. | | watering and fertilising. |
| the care and maintenance of plants on display. | | maintaining suitable temperatures, humidity and light intensity in shops and other display areas. |
| | | | | providing shade and protection from wind and frost in outdoor display areas. |
| | | | | maintaining plants in a healthy attractive condition. |
4. | displays. | | |
| the arrangement and maintenance of displays. | | arranging and maintaining displays of seeds, plants and horticultural requisites. Writing directional signs and signs for plants and displays; writing labels. |
5. | salesmanship. | | |
| personal qualities and attributes of a good salesman; characteristics and traits of customers; sales techniques. | | dealing with customers; sales techniques; handling complaints and questions; theft; cash, cheque and credit card transactions. |