many have evolved to grow. This can often be extreme enough that those in a border may be dismissed as a clump of foliage or missed altogether. However, with a bit of attention, their beauty mesmerises, and they shine.
01 March 2024
Plant Profile: 𝑯𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒃𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒔 (𝑯𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒃𝒐𝒓𝒖𝒔 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒔)
many have evolved to grow. This can often be extreme enough that those in a border may be dismissed as a clump of foliage or missed altogether. However, with a bit of attention, their beauty mesmerises, and they shine.
19 February 2024
Function of Nutrients in Plants
Notes for RHS Level 2: Unit 1: Element 2 Role of Nutrients: AO1: Function of Nutrients in Plants
The essential nutrients required for plant growth and
development are divided into two categories: macronutrients and micronutrients.
Macronutrients are elements that plants require in larger
amounts, with the elements used in the highest quantities gained from the air,
being carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Erosion slowly releases all the other minerals
from the Earth’s rocks.
Whether minerals are obtained from organic sources, such as
composted vegetable matter, or inorganic sources, such as liquid blends of
chemicals, does not matter to the plant as the mineral elements are the same.
However, the main difference is that organic sources slowly
release small quantities of minerals into the soil, whereas inorganic fertilisers
use concentrations of specific elements prepared for defined and immediate usage.
N-P-K ratios on fertiliser display the ratios between
nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (K refers to the now obsolete neo-latin kalium).
For example a formulation using a ratio of 0-10-10 would promote flower and
fruit set.
The following table lists the macronutrients and their
functions in plants:
Nutrient Function
Nitrogen Essential
for the production of chlorophyll, amino acids, and nucleic acids.
Phosphorus Involved
in the production of ATP, DNA, and cell membranes.
Potassium Regulates
water balance, activates enzymes, and helps in the production of ATP.
Calcium Essential for cell wall
formation, cell division, and cell elongation.
Magnesium A component of chlorophyll, and is
involved in photosynthesis and enzyme activation.
Sulfur Required for the production of
amino acids, proteins, and enzymes.
Carbon Required for photosynthesis, the
process by which plants produce their own food.
Oxygen Required for respiration, the
process by which plants convert food into energy.
Hydrogen Required for the formation of
organic compounds, such as carbohydrates and proteins.
In addition to macronutrients, plants also require
micronutrients in smaller amounts for their growth and development. The
following table lists some of the essential micronutrients and their functions
in plants:
Nutrient Function
Iron Essential for the
production of chlorophyll and involved in photosynthesis.
Boron Required for cell wall
formation, pollen tube growth, and seed production.
Manganese Involved in photosynthesis,
respiration, and enzyme activation.
Molybdenum Required for nitrogen fixation and the
production of enzymes.
Plants lacking macronutrients and
micronutrients will find their growth and development adversely affected,
leading to mineral nutrient deficiencies and disorders. The symptoms of
nutrient deficiency can vary depending on the nutrient that is lacking. For
example:
Nitrogen
deficiency: Plants may exhibit
stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and reduced leaf size.
Phosphorus deficiency: Plants may exhibit stunted growth, dark green leaves, and reduced root growth.
Potassium
deficiency: Plants may exhibit
yellowing of leaf margins, wilting, and reduced growth.
Deficiencies
will be explored further in a future post.
02 February 2024
Impact on plant specification on biosecurity (UK)
Notes for Unit 1: Plant Specification: Integration: AO3 Impact on specification on biosecurity
Plant specification has a significant impact on biosecurity.
When ordering plant material, it is important to consider the biosecurity of
the plants you order. You should only order plant material from reputable
suppliers who follow strict biosecurity protocols.
There are also strict rules for the importation of plants
into the UK from the EU, including the necessity for a phytosanitary
certificate. This certificate is issued from the plant health authority of the
country where the plant material originates to guarantee that the material has
been officially inspected, is free from pests and diseases and meets the legal
requirements for the material to enter GB. There are costs associated with the
importation process related to applying for phytosanitary certificates, checks
and inspections that an individual importer is expected to meet. This does not
apply to all plants, as there is a short list of low-risk plants that can be
imported from the EU and third countries without the phytosanitary certificate.
At the time of writing, this includes, but is not limited to, pineapple,
persimmon, and banana. See the links below for further information.
UK Plant Passport |
The plant types you choose can also have an impact on biosecurity. Different plant types have different susceptibility to pests and diseases. For example, some plant types such as annuals and biennials are more susceptible to pests and diseases than others such as perennials. Schemes such as the RHS Award of Garden Merit have a series of requirements that ensure plants awarded are reasonably resistant to pests and diseases.
Material type is another important factor to consider
when ordering plant material. The three main types of plant material are
pot-grown, bare root, and rootballed / burlap. Each material type has its own
advantages and disadvantages in terms of biosecurity. For example, bare root and
pot grown plants are financially cheaper, but are more susceptible to damage
during transportation, which can increase the risk of pest and disease
transmission. While, the well developed root systems of rootballed/burlap plants,
which are available during the dormant season for the species, are less
susceptible to damage and therefore less likely to be infected with disease.Bare root, rootballed, and potted plants.
Production method is also an important consideration.
Plants can be grown using different methods such as conventional, organic, or
biodynamic. It is important to choose a production method that aligns with your
values and requirements.
Conventional production
methods use synthetic fertilizers and pesticides to promote plant growth and
control pests and diseases. While these methods are effective, they can have
negative impacts on the environment and human health.
Organic production methods
use natural fertilizers and pest control methods to promote plant growth and
control pests and diseases. Organic methods are more sustainable and
environmentally friendly than conventional methods, but they can be more
expensive and less effective. For instance, the reliance on natural predators
to remove pests can be less effective, while using natural compost and manure
can introduce soil-borne diseases.
Biodynamic production
methods are similar to organic methods, but they also incorporate spiritual and
mystical practices. Biodynamic methods are less common than conventional and
organic methods, but they are gaining popularity due to their focus on
sustainability and holistic plant health. However, as with organic production,
the reliance on natural predators to remove pests can be less effective, while
using natural compost and manure can introduce soil-borne diseases.
Finally, environmental considerations are also important
when ordering plant material. You should choose plants that are well-suited to
your local climate and soil conditions. You should also consider the
environmental impact of the production and transportation of the plant material.
By considering these factors, you can ensure that you order
plant material that is healthy, sustainable, and well-suited to your needs.
Links for further information:
https://www.rhs.org.uk/prevention-protection/importing-and-exporting-plants
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-plant-export-certificates-and-inspections
https://aphascience.blog.gov.uk/2023/03/01/plant-passports/
New
Plant Biosecurity Strategy - UK Plant Health Information Portal (defra.gov.uk)