Explore fundamental aspects of broccoli nursery management in horticulture with this five-question quiz designed for beginners. Learn about sowing, soil preparation, seedling care, and pest management essentials.
What is typically the best season to sow broccoli seeds in a nursery for temperate regions with cool climates?
Explanation: Late summer is often the best time to sow broccoli in nurseries for cool, temperate regions because seedlings mature as the weather becomes cooler, which broccoli prefers. Mid-winter is usually too cold for seedling growth, early spring can expose seedlings to late frosts, and early summer may become too hot for healthy broccoli development.
When preparing soil for a broccoli nursery, which soil property is most important to ensure healthy seedling growth?
Explanation: Good drainage is crucial for broccoli nurseries to prevent root diseases and promote strong growth. High salinity can harm seedlings, clayey texture may restrict root development and cause waterlogging, while overly dry soil can hinder germination.
What is the recommended spacing between broccoli seeds when sowing in nursery beds to prevent overcrowding?
Explanation: A spacing of 2–3 cm between seeds allows enough room for each seedling to grow without excessive competition. 0.5 cm is too close and promotes crowding, while 10–12 cm and 15–18 cm waste nursery space and are more suitable for field transplant spacing.
Which is the most suitable watering method for young broccoli seedlings in a nursery setting?
Explanation: Gentle overhead watering ensures even moisture and does not disturb delicate seedlings. Flood irrigation may cause waterlogging, spraying pesticides regularly is unnecessary and can harm seedlings, and letting soil dry out can damage young plants.
If nursery-grown broccoli seedlings show signs of damping-off disease, what is a recommended management practice?
Explanation: Using sterilized soil helps control pathogens that cause damping-off disease. Increasing humidity and overwatering both create conditions that favor the disease, while applying excess fertilizer can stress seedlings and does not address the issue.