Question 1

Allelopathy

Accepted Answer

The chemical inhibition of one plant species by another through the release of chemical substances into the environment.

Question 2

Anion-exchange capacity (AEC)

Accepted Answer

A soil's capacity to attract and hold negatively charged ions (anions) through positive charges on its surface.

Question 3

Apical dominance

Accepted Answer

Suppression of lateral bud growth by the apical bud in a shoot system.

Question 4

Biennial plants

Accepted Answer

Plants that complete their life cycle in two growing seasons.

Question 5

CAM photosynthesis

Accepted Answer

Crassulacean Acid Metabolism, a type of photosynthesis found in succulents adapted to arid environments.

Question 6

Dendrochronology

Accepted Answer

The study of tree rings to determine tree age and past climatic conditions.

Question 7

Ecotone

Accepted Answer

A transition area between two biomes, containing characteristics of both.

Question 8

Evapotranspiration

Accepted Answer

The combined process of evaporation from the Earth's surface and transpiration from plants.

Question 9

Fertigation

Accepted Answer

The process of applying fertilizers and other water-soluble nutrients through an irrigation system.

Question 10

Genotype

Accepted Answer

The genetic composition of an organism that determines its characteristics.

Question 11

Hardscape

Accepted Answer

Non-living landscape elements, such as stone, brick, or concrete.

Question 12

Indeterminate growth

Accepted Answer

A growth pattern in which a plant continues to grow indefinitely.

Question 13

Juglone

Accepted Answer

A toxic allelopathic compound produced by some walnut tree species.

Question 14

Kalmia effect

Accepted Answer

A phenomenon where high concentrations of certain elements in soil inhibit plant growth.

Question 15

Loam

Accepted Answer

A soil texture with a roughly equal mixture of sand, silt, and clay particles.

Question 16

Macronutrients

Accepted Answer

Essential plant nutrients required in large amounts, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

Question 17

Mycorrhizae

Accepted Answer

Symbiotic relationships between plant roots and fungi that help plants access nutrients and water.

Question 18

Nematodes

Accepted Answer

Microscopic, worm-like organisms, some of which are plant pathogens.

Question 19

Osmosis

Accepted Answer

The movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration.

Question 20

Pesticide resistance

Accepted Answer

The ability of pests to withstand exposure to pesticides that previously controlled them.

Question 21

Phytoextraction

Accepted Answer

The use of plants to remove contaminants from soil or water.

Question 22

Plant propagation

Accepted Answer

The process of creating new plants from seeds, cuttings, or other plant parts.

Question 23

QELROs

Accepted Answer

Quantified Emission Limitation and Reduction Commitments, targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Question 24

Rhizome

Accepted Answer

A horizontal, underground stem that can produce new plants from nodes.

Question 25

Soil horizon

Accepted Answer

A distinct layer in the soil profile with specific properties, such as the A horizon (topsoil) or B horizon (subsoil).

Question 26

Stratification

Accepted Answer

The process of treating seeds with cold temperatures to break dormancy.

Question 27

Thatch

Accepted Answer

A layer of dead grass and organic matter that accumulates between the soil surface and green vegetation.

Question 28

Urban heat island effect

Accepted Answer

The phenomenon of higher temperatures in urban areas compared to surrounding rural areas, due to the built environment.

Question 29

Vernalization

Accepted Answer

The process of exposing plants to cold temperatures for a specific period to trigger flowering.

Question 30

Weed competition

Accepted Answer

The negative impact of weeds on the growth and development of desirable plants.

Question 31

Xeriscaping

Accepted Answer

Landscaping with drought-tolerant plants to conserve water.

Question 32

Yield

Accepted Answer

The amount of a crop produced per unit area.

Question 33

Zone of saturation

Accepted Answer

The area in the soil where all pores are filled with water, also known as the water table.

Question 34

Abiotic stress

Accepted Answer

Non-living factors that negatively affect plant growth

Question 35

Biotic stress

Accepted Answer

Living factors that negatively affect plant growth, such as pests, diseases, or competition from other plants.

Question 36

Cation-exchange capacity (CEC)

Accepted Answer

A soil's capacity to attract and hold positively charged ions (cations) through negative charges on its surface.

Question 37

Deciduous

Accepted Answer

Plants that lose their leaves annually, usually in response to seasonal changes.

Question 38

Epiphytes

Accepted Answer

Plants that grow on other plants, using them for support but not for nutrients.

Question 39

Floristics

Accepted Answer

The study of the distribution, composition, and relationships of plant species in an area.

Question 40

Gravitropism

Accepted Answer

The response of a plant's growth to the force of gravity.

Question 41

Hydrozoning

Accepted Answer

Grouping plants with similar water needs together in a landscape to conserve water.

Question 42

Infiltration rate

Accepted Answer

The speed at which water enters the soil from the surface.

Question 43

Juniper blight

Accepted Answer

A fungal disease that causes browning and dieback in juniper plants.

Question 44

Knot garden

Accepted Answer

A formal garden design featuring tightly clipped hedges in intricate patterns.

Question 45

Latent heat of vaporization

Accepted Answer

The amount of energy required to change a substance from a liquid to a gaseous state.

Question 46

Microclimate

Accepted Answer

Localized climatic conditions that differ from the surrounding area.

Question 47

N-P-K ratio

Accepted Answer

The ratio of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in a fertilizer.

Question 48

Oligotrophic

Accepted Answer

Describes a body of water with low nutrient concentrations and low primary productivity.

Question 49

Permeability

Accepted Answer

The ease with which water and air can move through soil.

Question 50

Quercus

Accepted Answer

The genus of trees and shrubs commonly known as oaks.

Question 51

Root pruning

Accepted Answer

The process of cutting back a plant's roots to encourage new growth and a more compact root system.

Question 52

Soil pH

Accepted Answer

A measure of the acidity or alkalinity of soil, affecting nutrient availability and plant growth.

Question 53

Topiary

Accepted Answer

The art of shaping plants into ornamental forms by pruning and training.

Question 54

Understory

Accepted Answer

The layer of vegetation beneath the canopy in a forest ecosystem.

Question 55

Vermicomposting

Accepted Answer

The process of using worms to break down organic matter into nutrient-rich compost.

Question 56

Windthrow

Accepted Answer

The uprooting or breakage of trees due to strong winds.

Question 57

Xylem

Accepted Answer

The plant tissue that transports water and dissolved nutrients from the roots to the rest of the plant.

Advanced Landscape Horticulturist Red Seal Exam Flashcards