1:2
1 part soil : 2 parts water:
A method of testing media-pH and media EC. Soil is removed from the pot, mixed with twice the volume of water, and pH and EC of this solution are measured. This method is good for running many samples, and guidelines are well established. In Europe and some other countries, a similar method is used but with more or less water.
2WE
A HAZCHEM code which gives immediate emergency action details. 2 = Fog or mist (water); W = Wear full body protective clothing with breathing apparatus; E = Consider evacuating the area
ABA
An acronym for the naturally occurring plant growth regulator Abscisic Acid. Generally regarded as a growth inhibiting substance as it promotes senescence and abscision of leaves, induces dormancy in buds and seeds.
abortion
"miscarriage of birth" or "failure of a project or action" . Some horticultural articles will also refer to "flower blasting" or "atrophication", which also refers to the same thing, but in relation to the flower buds.
abscission
The shedding of leaves or fruits as the result of physical weakness in a specialized layer of cells (abscission layer) that develops at the base of the petiole or stem.
absorption
Process of moving a substance from one matrix into another
absorption
The movement of a chemical into plants, animals (including humans) and microorganisms or any substrate.
absorption spectrum
a graph relating the ability of a substance (e.g. chlorophyll) to absorb light of various wavelengths.
ACC
The enzyme in the ethylene biosynthesis pathway converting ACC (1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid) to ethylene
acc
An acronym for the chemical compound 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid, which is regarded as a chemical precursor to the formation of the naturally occurring plant growth regulator ethylene.
ACC
Accident Compensation Corporation
ACC
The enzyme in the ethylene biosynthesis pathway converting SAM (S-adenosyl-methionine) to ACC (1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid).
Accessory
a term given mostly to aggregate fruits in which the conspicuous and often edible portion is nonovarian in origin. Example strawberry, where the receptacle is the fleshy, edible portion, and the true fruit an achene.
accident
an event that (a) causes any person to be harmed; or (b) in different circumstances, might have caused any person to be harmed. ; It should be noted that the definition in terms of the HSE Act is broader than incommon usage, and includes "near misses" as well as events that cause injury or illness.
accident register
Register for recording all serious and non-serious harm in the workplace
AcCoCo
Abbreviation for Accident Compensation Corporation
accredited
Officially recognized, generally accepted or believed. Certified as being of a prescribed quality.
Achene
a dry, indehiscent, one or twoseeded, wingless fruit, with generally thin pericarp loosely attached to the seed(s). Fruit is generally small, and comes from a unicarpellate ovary. Example sunflower, where the thin, black pericarp (shell) surrounds the single seed.
acidic
Having a pH lower than 7, having a higher concentration of H+ ions.
acropetal
Developing or opening in succession from base to apex
In botany terminology, describes a plant part which is arising or developing in a longitudinal sequence beginning at the base and proceeding towards the apex.
activated charcoal
Finely ground charcoal which adsorbs contaminants from liquids and gases.
active ingredient
The active constituent of any formulated agrichemical as distinct from any carriers, surfactants, and diluents.
acute poisoning
A measure of the toxic effects of a single exposure to agrichemicals occurring within a short time after that exposure.
ACVM
Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines (Act and Regulations)
additive
Adjuvant; any of several categories of compounds that can be added to a herbicide solution to enhance its activity; Some examples are oils, surfactants and fertilizers
Additive
A difference in phenotype resulting from the substitution of an a allele for an A allele when averaged over all the individual members of a population
adjuvant
Any substance other than water that is designed to enhance the effectiveness, reduce drift or act as a synergist, when added to any agrichemical application mixture (e.g. surfactants, wetters, stickers and fillers).
adjuvant
additive; any of several categories of compounds that can be added to a herbicide solution to enhance its activity; some examples are oils, surfactants and fertilizers
adsorption
The process whereby chemicals are held or bound to a surface by physical or electrostatic attraction. Clay and organic soils have a high adsorptive capacity.
adsorption
Process of a substance binding to a surface.
advection
lateral (sideways) movement of air
advection frost
a frost caused by movement of very cold air onto a site
advective freeze
a frost caused by weather-driven movement into a region of a large mass of very cold air
advective frost
a frost caused by movement of very cold air onto a site
Adventitious roots, buds
organs which arise from tissues unrelated to the normal hypocotyl and radiclederived meristems; i.e., roots or buds arising from from the vascular cambium, cortex, phloem parenchyma, or wound callus.
adverse effect or adverse event
An undesirable or unwanted outcome. A key element in the Resource Management Act is “to avoid, remedy or mitigate any adverse effects on the environment”. An adverse event may include cases where an animal health product did not work.
aeration
The condition, and sum of all processes affecting, soil pore-space gaseous composition, particularly with respect to the amount and availability of oxygen for use by soil biota and/or soil chemical oxidation reactions.
aerobic
Condition that has ample amount of oxygen. This condition will allow organisms that require molecular oxygen to growth and function well.
afps
air filled pore space (AFPS) is that percentage of the volume of a medium, at container capacity, that contains air.
Aggregate
a fruit derived from two or more ovaries contained within a single flower; may contain nonovarian tissue. Example blackberry, where each fruit is an aggregate of drupelets attached to a common receptacle. Raspberry is also an aggregate of drupelets but does not contain receptacle tissue.
agitation
Process of stirring or mixing in a container.
agrichemical
Any substance, whether inorganic or organic, man-made or naturally occurring, modified or in its original state, that is used in any agriculture, horticulture or related activity, to eradicate, modify or control flora and fauna. For the purposes of this Standard, it includes agricultural compounds, but excludes fertilizers, vertebrate pest control products and oral nutrition compounds.
agrichemical
Agrochemical (or agrichemical), a contraction of agricultural chemical, is a generic term for the various chemical products used in agriculture. In most cases, agrichemical refers to the broad range of pesticides, including insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides. It may also include synthetic fertilizers, hormones and other chemical growth agents, and concentrated stores of raw animal manure.
agricultural compound
Any substance, mixture of substances, or biological compound, used or intended for use in the direct management of plants and animals, or to be applied to the land, place, or water on or in which the plants and animals are managed, for the purposes of:
(a) Managing or eradicating pests, including vertebrate pests; or
(b) Maintaining, promoting, or regulating plant or animal productivity and performance or reproduction; or
(c) Fulfilling special nutritional requirements; or
(d) The manipulation, capture, or immobilization of animals; or
(e) Diagnosing the condition of animals; or
(f) Preventing or treating conditions of animals; or
(g) Enhancing the effectiveness of an agricultural compound used for the treatment of plants and animals; or
(h) Marking animals
and includes any veterinary medicine, any substance, mixture of substances, or biological compound used for post-harvest pest control or disinfestation of raw primary produce, and any substance, mixture of substances, or biological compound declared to be an agricultural compound for the purposes of the ACVM Act by Order-in-Council.
agricultural use
Used in the management of animals, or for cultivating the soil for production of food crops, or other products of the soil, or aquatic horticulture.
Agrobacteria
A soil bacteria that can be a plant pathogen. It works as a natural genetic engineer by invading a plant through wounds and inserting a piece of DNA into the plant's chromosomes. The plant will then begin producing the protein encoded by the inserted gene. Bacillus thuringiensis is a strain of agrobacteria.
AI
Active ingredient or artificial insemination
air frost
when air, measured at 1.3 m elevation, drops below 0oC.
air inclusion nozzle
Air inclusion nozzles produce larger droplets than conventional cone nozzles. Large droplets normally roll off the leaf but air inclusion nozzles create air bubbles within the larger droplets which then collapse on contact with the leaf, dissipating the energy and dispersing the liquid.
albedo
The mesocarp of a citrus fruit; the white, spongy tissue lying between the colored peel and the juice sacs.orthe fraction of incident light or radiation reflected by a surface or body, commonly expressed as a percentage or a proportion of one.
algal bloom
an abundant growth of algae, typically triggered by sudden favourable environmental conditions e.g. excess nutrients
algorithm
A mathematical equation used to make a prediction, for example, predicting fertilizer requirement from soil analysis and anticipated crop yield.
alkaline hydrolysis
Breakdown of a chemical in the presence of water.
All practicable steps
All practicable steps, in relation to achieving any result in any circumstances, means all steps to achieve the result that it is reasonably practicable to take in the circumstances, having regard to (a) The nature and severity of the harm that may be suffered if the result is not achieved; and (b) The current state of knowledge about the likelihood that harm of that nature and severity will be suffered if the result is not achieved; and (c) The current state of knowledge about the harm of that nature; and (d) The current state of knowledge about the means available to achieve the result, and about the likely efficacy of each; and (e) The availability and cost of each of those means.
Allele
One of a pair or series of forms of a gene which are alternative in inheritance because they are situated at the same locus in homologous chromosomes
Allogamy
See: Cross Fertilization
almond
Oval-shaped edible seed of the almond tree
Small bushy deciduous tree native to Asia and North Africa having pretty pink blossoms and highly prized edible nuts enclosed in a hard green hull; cultivated in southern Australia and California
Synonyms: Amygdalus communis, Prunus amygdalus, Prunus dulcis, sweet almond
Note: The different kinds, as bitter, sweet, thin-shelled, thick-shelled almonds, and Jordan almonds, are the products of different varieties of the one species, Amygdalus communis, a native of the Mediterranean region and western Asia.
alternative use
The use of an agrichemical in a situation other than that originally intended, (e.g. application to another crop). It may be an acceptable method for disposal of unwanted agrichemicals. See also off-label use.
ameliorant
ameliorate means to make better; to improve; to meliorate.
An ameliorant, then, is something that makes something else better.
For example, people selling wetting agents might claim that their product ameliorates water distribution and holding capacity in the growing medium in a container.
amenity areas and public places
Those areas which are not used for agriculture, horticulture or plantation forestry but which are open to public access.
Ammonia
One of the mineral forms of nitrogen in the gas form. NH3
Ammonification
The release of ammonium (NH4+)ions from organic matter via microbial action (more broadly termed mineralization)
Ammonium
One of the mineral forms of nitrogen. NH4+
anaerobic
Condition that is lacking molecular oxygen. Under this condition, most organisms die although those that do not require molecular oxygen (e.g. anaerobic bacteria) can still survive and function well.
Androecium
The male reproductive component of the flower; the stamens, collectively.
andromonoecious
Having bisexual and male flowers on the same plant.
angiosperm
literally, a seed borne in a vessel, thus a group of plants whose seeds are borne within a matured ovary. All flowering plants, for example, are angiosperms.
animal remedy
Any drug, medicine, remedy or therapeutic preparation, or any biochemical substance for:
(a) Curing, diagnosing, treating, controlling or preventing any disease in animals; or
(b) Destroying or preventing parasites on, or in, animals; or
(c) Maintaining or improving the health, condition, productivity or appearance of any animal; or
(d) Capturing or immobilizing any animal.
(See also Veterinary medicine.)
Anion
A negatively charged ion.
anionic
Having a negative charge
anoxia
An utter lack of free, biologically-available oxygen.
anthelmintic
A chemical used to control parasitic worms in animals.
Anther
The swollen, apical, pollenbearing section of the stamen.
Anthesis
Time of flower expansion when pollination takes place.
anthesis
Flowering. From a botanical viewpoint this would normally relate to when pollen is shed. From a horticultural view point this stage of development may differ, e.g. when stems are harvested for sale as a cut flower this may occur before pollen shed, but will be referred to as having reached anthesis or flowering.
Anthocyanin
a class of watersoluble pigments which commonly impart red, purple, and blue coloration to flowers and fruits.
anthropic
In the context of the reading from which you encountered this word, anthropocentric (regarding man as the central factor in the universe) is probably a better word to use. Anthropic is not a word whose idea can be summarised in one or two sentences.
A fuller, but denser explanation taken from http://www.winternet.com/~gmcdavid/html_dir/anthropic.html is:
The anthropic cosmological principle asserts that the laws, constants and basic structure of the universe are not completely arbitrary. Instead they are contrained by the requirement that they must allow for the existence of intelligent observers, ourselves.
Example: Why is the visible universe about 15 Billion light years in diameter? Because that means the universe is about 15 billion years old. Our sun is at least a second generation star because it contains Carbon, Oxygen, Silicon and other elements. It had to get them from earlier stars that had exploded--they were not available just after the big bang (which could only have produced Hydrogen and Helium). Hence the sun as we know it could not have existed much earlier in the history of the universe. Since we in turn require those elements, we could not have existed in a much earlier phase of the universe. You also have to allow a few billion years for evolution. We see a universe that is 15 billion light years across because the universe had to grow to that size to permit us to exist. We could not, incidentally, observe a universe that was a lot older, since by that time the stars will have burned out and there will be no available energy to support life. Many other examples are discussed in the following references.
There are lots of other facts in physics, astronomy, and chemistry, that can be interpreted in this manner. You can argue that this is all coincidence, and some of these observations have been referred to as "cosmic coincidences". You can also argue that this is obvious--nothing else would be possible. The subject is very controversial.
One aspect of this is that the Principle asserts that there is something special about our place in the universe. The example above shows that we must live in a particular segment of cosmic history. This goes against the general trend of science since Copernicus; that there is nothing special about our place. This makes a lot of scientists uncomfortable, but I think it is hard to dispute.
anthropogenic
human centered, or the study of humans. From anthropos - Man, and ogeny - study of the orgin of Man.
antibiotic
A chemical produced by a micro-organism which is capable of destroying other micro-organisms, especially bacteria (e.g. streptomycin, cycloheximide and penicillin).
antidote
A practical treatment for poisoning to offset the harmful effects.
apical meristem
a mass of meristematic cells at the very tip of a shoot or root.
apomitic
More correctly spelt as apomictic.
Reproduction of a plant through a seed without any form of sexual union; embryos arise clonally from nucellar or integument tissue of seed, and are genetically identical to the parent plant.
Citrus are a good example of a genus that produces apomictic seedlings.
Apomixis (Apomictic seed)
reproduction of a plant through a seed without any form of sexual union; embryos arise clonally from nucellar or integument tissue of seed, and are genetically identical to the parent plant.
apple
The apple is the pomaceous fruit of the apple tree, species Malus domestica in the rose family Rosaceae. It is one of the most widely cultivated tree fruits.
application area
The physical area within the property where the agrichemical is being applied and/or handled.
applicator
Any person or organization engaged in the application of any agrichemical. Where application is delegated to employees, it also includes the person(s) directly responsible for those employees.
approved handler
A person who holds a current approved handler test certificate certifying that the person has satisfied the requirements of the Hazardous Substances (Personnel Qualifications) Regulations in relation to an approved handler for 1 or more hazard classifications or hazardous substances. Approved handler test certificates are only issued by Test Certifiers appointed under HSNO legislation.
arboriculture
The dictionary definition of aboriculture is "the cultivation of trees and shrubs, chiefly for timber or for ornamental purposes". Common usage of the term in NZ tends to be more confined to describing the art/science involved in the maintenance (pruning etc) of ornamental trees (as opposed to shrubs).
ascospore
A sexual spore produced by the fruiting body of the ascomycete division of the fungi kingdom
Asexual Reproduction
Reproduction that does not involve the union of gametes
Aspect
The predominant direction of slope of the land.
assimilation
the transformation of food into protoplasm
astringent
Causes contraction of soft organic tissues
asymptotic
An asymptotic curve is one that approaches a limit (i.e. some arbitrary high or low value) but never quite reaches it. The curve tends to "flatten out" as it approaches the limit value.
In yield x density relationships, the total yield x density curve is asymptotic, with the limit being the maximum total yield.
At work
At work, in relation to any person, means present, for gain or reward, in the person’s place of work.
auger
a hand tool with a corkscrew-shaped bit for for boring holes in the ground
Autogamy
See: Self Fertilization
auxin
a plant growth regulating substance regulating, amongst other process, cell elongation.
Auxins also control apical dominance.
indole-3-acetic acid (IAA); the first plant hormone discovered; a plant hormone involved in many plant growth processes including embryo development, root and flower development, vascular differentiation, stem elongation, apical dominance and tropic response.
available
contactable by electronic means, or in person, within a reasonable period of time
avocado
A pear-shaped fruit with a rough leathery skin, smooth oily edible flesh, and a large stone.
bacteria
Microscopic organisms, some of which are capable of producing diseases in plants and animals; controlled by a bactericide or bacteriostat.
bactericidal
Capable of killing bacteria
bacteriostat
A chemical which brings growth of bacteria to a halt but does not kill bacteria.
bait
A food or other substance used to attract a pest to a chemical or trap where it will be destroyed or captured.
ballast
Used in the context of soilless growing media, ballast refers to the practice of growers adding sand to their mixes to provide ballast. A more scientific description is that growers are increasing the bulk density of their mixes. Irrespective of the way the practice is described, the intended outcome is the same - to increase the weight of the medium in the container so that the plant is less top heavy and likely to blow over easily in the nursery.
basal
fixed at the base of anything.
For example, see basal plate
basal arrangement
The spatial arrangement of buds around a basal plate.
basal plate
The shortened modified stem of a bulb, which has a growing point and interjoined scales and roots.
base temperature
with regard to the temperature response of a plant, it is the temperature below which no response is evident.
basipetal
Developing, in sequence, from the apex towards the base (the opposite of acropetal)
BCPC
British Crop Protection Council
Bearing habit
The position of the flower buds, with respect to the type and age of wood. For example, "spur bearing" trees produce flowers (thus fruits) on short, longlived, lateral branches called spurs. Others produce flowers only from axillary buds on current season's growth.
Bench Graftage
Grafting of plants typically during late winter or early spring at a propagation bench instead of in the nursery; involves storage and callusing of rootstock and scion wood during the winter, and specialized cuts made with special tools or saws. Common with grape.
benchmark
a standard by which something can be measured or judged
beneficial insect
Insect that is useful or helpful to humans (e.g. pollinators, and parasites and predators of pests).
Berry
a fleshy, indehiscent fruit with moreorless homogeneous texture throughout, derived from a single, superior ovary. One to manyseeded. Term often misused. Example
biennial
[n] a plant having a life cycle that normally takes two seasons from germination to death to complete; flowering biennials usually bloom and fruit in the second season
[adj] (botany) having a life cycle lasting two seasons; "a biennial life cycle"; "parsnips and carrots are biennial plants often grown as annuals"
bio control
Control of pests using predators, parasites and disease-causing organisms. May be naturally occurring or introduced.
biodiversity
Biodiversity is short for biological diversity, and refers to the collective of living things (plants, animals, birds, insects, fish, invertebrates) that inhabit an area.
biological
... of or relating to biology, the science of living organisms.
biology
the science that deals with living things.
blasting
"miscarriage of birth" or "failure of a project or action" .
In horticultural terms it is often used in reference to the failure to flower due to abortion of the flower buds prior to anthesis.
blood and bone
Organic fertilisers are produced in large quantities as by-products of the meat export industry, slaughter houses, and soap manufacture. Typical products are bone meal or bone dust containing water-insoluble phosphorus and some nitrogen; dried blood, a good organic source of nitrogen; and tankage, a powder obtained from cooking, drying, and grinding animal refuse of heterogeneous origin. Tankage contains water-insoluble nitrogen and phosphorus.
These organic fertilisers of animal origin are mainly used in commercial market gardens, orchards, and by private gardeners. They may be incorporated in proprietary mixtures, but commonly are applied as so called “Blood and Bone”, a mixture of bone dust and dried blood or tankage and dried blood. Blood and bone contains about 4–7 per cent nitrogen and 10–13 per cent phosphorus. Market gardeners commonly apply 1½-2 tons of blood and bone per acre to leafy vegetables. This heavy rate of application is commonly followed by side dressings of soluble inorganic nitrogenous fertilisers during the growing season.
bourse
During fruit set, spurs of some cultivars swell forming a bourse or cluster base. The bourse is more prevalent on terminal bearing cultivars. In the axil of the top leaf on the flowering/fruiting spur, a bud will develop. If the bud elongates, it is called a bourse shoot. The bud may not elongate and is thus referred to as the bourse bud.
bract
A foliage leaf much reduced in size or of different form or character. Bracts are often mistaken for petals.
Bract
A modified leaf structure that subtends a flower or inflorescence.
Breeding
The art and science of genetically changing plants or animals
brix
a term that expresses the percent sugar concentration in fruit juice.
bud
an undeveloped shoot, largely meristematic tissue, generally protected by modified scale-leaves.
Bud
an undeveloped shoot or flower; borne laterally or terminally on stems.
Budding
Means of vegatative propagation wherein the scion is reduced to a single bud, usually axillary, which is inserted into a notch, groove, or under the bark of the rootstock. Main types used for fruit trees are Tbudding and Chip budding.
buffer zone
The distance between an identified sensitive area, and the (downwind) edge of an area where agrichemicals are being applied.
bulking agent
In the context of growing media/substrates, a bulking agent is a low cost substrate added to a mix containing one or more other higher cost substrates for the sole purpose of making the other substrate(s) "go further". In New Zealand, for example, (low cost) pumice is often added to (higher cost) peat or bark-based mixes to allow the grower to get more containers filled than with the peat/bark-based mix alone. The pumice serves no added value to the mix, apart from "bulking out" the base substrate.
bunded area
An area which has a raised perimeter to prevent the escape of any spilled liquids.
Bur (also Burr)
A spiny appendage; the involucre of a chestnut fruit.
Burrknot
concentration of preformed root initials on a stem or the trunk; often on apple and quince rootstocks budded high; can cause partial girdling and stunting of the tree.
Bushel
a unit of measurement of fruit yield, equal to about 50 lbs. Generally, wooden baskets or boxes are used, with a volume of about 1/28th of a cubic meter.
calibrate/ calibration
To adjust application equipment so that a known amount of product is applied to a given area.
callus
A mass of undifferentiated cells used in tissue culture.
Calyptra
a hook or lid; specifically, the fused corolla of a grape flower..
Calyx
the sepals, collectively..
cambium
a layer of actively dividing cells (lateral meristem), found within stems and roots, that gives rise to secondary growth in perennial plants, causing an increase in girth. There are two main types of cambium vascular cambium, which gives rise to secondary xylem and phloem tissues, and cork cambium (or phellogen), which gives rise to secondary cortex and cork tissues (i.e bark).
Cane
a young, flexible stem, coming from the ground in Rubus and blueberry, or from older wood as in grape.
capillary action
capillary action refers to the upwards movement of water in a growing medium (such as the soil or a soil-less growing medium) via the micro or capillary pores. The forces acting on the water in the pores are greater than the downwards force of gravity, meaning that water can move up from the groundwater, a sandbed or capillary mat, into the growing medium.
capsid
The outer shell of a virus is called the capsid. It consists of several monomeric subunits made of protein. The capsid serves three main purposes :
* It protects the genetic material of the virus.
* It determines if a cell is suitable for infection.
* It starts the actual infection by attaching and "opening" the target cell and injecting the genetic material of the virus into the cell.
Once the virus has infected the cell, it will sooner or later start replicating itself, using the "infrastructure" of the infected cell. During this process, the capsid subunits are synthesized according to the genetic material of the virus, using the protein biosynthesis mechanism of the cell. Some viruses will also take a portion of the host cell's cell membrane with them when they depart, enclosing the proteinaceous capsid with viral proteins projecting through it.
Capsule
a dry, dehiscent, one to manyseeded product of a single, compound ovary (compound = multiple locules within ovary). Usually classed according to dehiscence: circumscissile, loculicidal, septicidal, etc. Often irregularly shaped. Example poppy.
carbamates
A group of compounds, based primarily on carbamic acid. Products include fungicides, herbicides and insecticides (e.g. carbaryl, lannate, mancozeb and eradicane).
carcinogen
Cancer-causing agent. Formalin is only agrichemical that is a known carcinogen, approximately 1 in 20 agrichemicals are suspected carcinogens – as are substances like petrol and diesel.
carcinogennzm
Cancer-causing agent
carpel
Female reproductive organ of flowering plants, a megasporophyll; consisting og ovary containing ovules which become seeds after fertilization, and stigma (receptive surface for pollen grains), often borne at the apex of a stalk (the style).
Carpel
the megasporophyll, or structure enclosing the ovules (seeds). If a simple ovary, then the carpel and ovary are the same structure. If a compound ovary, then it is comprised of 2 or more carpels, each divided by septa.
carrier
An inert solid or fluid added to an active ingredient to make an agrichemical formulation. A carrier can also be the material, usually water or oil, used to dilute the formulated product for application.
Caryopsis
Small, indehiscent, oneseeded fruit, often dry and mealy at maturity, with pericarp fused to seed coat. Example small grains (wheat, maize, barley, etc.).
caryopsis
Fruit of grasses. An achene with ovary wall (pericarp) united with seed coat (testa).
Catkin
a slender, flexible, pendulous floral spike.
caution
A schedule heading which appears on the label of materials listed in the Fourth Schedule of the Toxic Substances Regulations 1983. NOTE – Under the HSNO Act strict use of this word may change.
CDA
Controlled droplet application
cellulopectinaceous
structural materials contained in the cell wall
Central leader
A tree training system where a main central bole (the "leader") extends from the trunk to the top of the tree. At intervals along the central leader, tiers of fruiting scaffolds are trained, with the lowest tier extending the furthest, and the upper tier extending only a few feet, giving an overall shape like a Christmas tree.
ceramic
a hard brittle heat-resistant material made by firing a mixture of clay and chemicals at high temperature
Chasmogamous
Opening of the perianth at maturity for the purpose of pollination; opposite of cleistogamous.
chemical name
The technical name of the active ingredient in the formulated product. This complex name is derived from the chemical name of the active ingredient in the formulated product.
chill units
Cumulative hours between zero and seven degrees Celcius.
Only some plants require a minimum number of chill units to continue development.
Chilling injury
injury from prolonged exposure to low, nonfreezing temepratures. Results in discoloration, pitting, and flesh breakdown in susceptible species.
Chilling requirement
The time of exposure to cool, nonfreezing temperatures during winter, required to allow normal budbreak and development the following spring. Measured in hours at or below 45°F from approximately leaf drop in fall throughout the winter. Species with high chilling requirements cannot be grown in subtropical or tropical areas where little or no cool temperatures occur during the winter months.
chitted
see "chitting"
chitting
Within a horticultural context, is used to refer to the treatment of seed prior to sowing which results in growth to where the radicle is emerged. In some literature seed treated in this way are also referred to as "pre-germinated".
Chitting is the pregermination of seed before sowing. At this stage the radicle should just be visible. Pregerminated seed can be sown using the plug mix or fluid drilling techniques. It will speed up seedling emergence. It is no longer a commonly used term.
chlorophyll
A green, light-absorbing pigment found in plants and other photosynthetic organisms. It is an essential electron donor in photosynthesis.
chloropicrin
A fumigant registered for the control of certain soil borne diseases for horticulture. More commonly known as tear gas.
chlorosis
Abnormal condition characterized by absence of green pigments in plants; often caused by poor soil conditions and/or malnutrition
cholinesterase
An essential chemical catalyst (enzyme) found in the nervous system of humans and many other animals, which inactivates acetylcholine.
chronic
A chronic disease is a disease or other human health condition that is persistent or long-lasting in nature
chronic poisoning
A measure of the toxic effects of long term, repeated exposure to agrichemicals.
chronological
of, relating to, or arranged in or according to the order of time
(see also ontogeny)
Circumscissile capsule (syn Pyxis)
a dry, dehiscent, one to manyseeded fruit from a single, compound ovary, opening along a transverse circular line, with the top separating like a lid.
CK
An acronym for the naturally occurring group of plant growth regulators known as cytokinins. Especially recognised for their stimulation of division of plant cells, but also promote cell enlargement, seed germination, delay senescence, and counteract apical dominance.
Class number
Hazardous materials are divided into classes to easily categorise
Classification
System for grouping similar hazardous substances
classification unit
A grouping of business with similar activities for the purposes of applying ACC rates.
clay particle
clay particles are less than 0.002 mm in diameter
clean
To rinse thoroughly (usually with water) to remove or dilute any remaining agrichemical.
Cleistogamous
Self-pollinating nature of closed flowers.
climacteric
The dictionary definition talks of a 'critical period in life'. In a horticultural context we talk about climacteric fruit, i.e. those fruit which can ripen (critical event in the life of a fruit) when detached from the parent plant while still unripe. This ripening is often associated with rapid increases in the rate of respiration and ethylene production. In contrast non-climacteric fruit will not ripen when detached from the plant when unripe.
climate
Climate encompasses the temperatures, humidity, atmospheric pressure, winds, rainfall, atmospheric particle count and numerous other meteorological elements in a given region over long periods of time, as opposed to the term weather, which refers to current activity of these same elements. The climate of a location is affected by its latitude, terrain, altitude, persistent ice or snow cover, as well as nearby oceans and their currents. Climates can be classified using parameters such as temperature and rainfall to define specific climate types. For more see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climate
climate change
Changes in the Earth's climate, especially those produced by global warming. During the last 100 years, average ocean and surface-air temperatures have risen by 0.74±0.18°C. Global warming is projected to continue.
See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_warming
See: http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/climate_change
cloche
in horticultural use, a low transparent cover put over young plants to protect them from cold.
Clonal
said of a plant derived from some form of vegetative propagation. Example a clonal rootstock is one produced by layerage, division, cuttage, but not by seed.
clonal rootstock
see "clonal", "clone", and "rootstock"
clone
A genetically identical copy of an "organism" (e.g. a plant in horticultural terms) that is produced via some form of asexual reproduction (e.g. taking a cutting of the original plant, or budding/grafting a piece of stem of the original plant onto a root system).
Codominance
A situation in which a heterozygote shows the phenotypic effect of both alleles equally
Coefficient of variation
The coefficient of variation is a measure of relative dispersion or variability and is given by the ratio of the standard deviation over the mean. It is generally expressed as a percentage. The use of coefficient of variation lies partly in the fact that the mean and standard deviation tend to change together in many experiments. For example, as the plants in a group get bigger, the variation within that group also increases.When the Cv is small, the data scatter compared to the mean is small. When the Cv is large compared to the mean, the amount of variation is large
commercial user/commercial use
In short, it means any person, group or organization using agrichemicals in the course of their business activities. It includes any council or local authority managing the use of agrichemicals in public places and amenity areas, roadsides, waterways and on noxious weeds and pests. NOTE – Refer to Part XIII, s. 183 of the HSNO Act.
Compatibility (congeniality)
capable of coexisting; said of a rootstock and scion that unite and form a healthy, longlived tree.
compatible
Chemicals are compatible if they can be mixed without reducing the effectiveness of any individual chemical.
compensation point
In the context of light, the compensation point is the level of light intensity needed for a plant to produce an amount of photosynthate equal to the amount it uses for respiration.
In the context of carbon dioxide, the compensation point is the concentration of carbon dioxide in a plant's chloroplasts below which the amount of photosynthate produced fails to compensate for the amount of amount of photosynthate used in respiration.
Complete flower
A flower having a calyx (sepals), corolla (petals), androecium, and gynoecium.
Compliance order
means an order made under section 137 of the Employment Relations Act 2000.
Compound
an organ composed of multiple parts, as a compound leaf where the blade is composed of leaflets.
concentration
The amount of active ingredient in a given volume or weight of formulated product.
Condensate
The liquid formed by the condensation of a vapor
condensation
the change of the physical state of aggregation of matter from gaseous to liquid phase (for more, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Condensation)
conidia
Asexual fungal spores produced by mitosis outside of the fruiting body
consignor
A person who engages a prime contractor to transport dangerous goods. For imported goods, the importer should be the consignor for the first journey.
contact
Contact (surface-active) control agents are not absorbed by plant tissue. This type is very common and works by direct contact with the target organism, and is most often sprayed directly onto foliage or bunches where the insect pest or fungus is living or feeding.
contact re-entry time
The minimum time required to elapse before a treated area can be re-entered without protection.
container
Anything in which agrichemicals may be packed, enclosed or covered prior to application.
contamination
The presence of an unwanted substance in or on a plant, animal, soil, water, air or structure (see also Residue).
continuum
A continuous series or whole, no part of which is perceptibly different from the adjacent parts.
In the context of the landscape continuum, this means that the boundaries between adjacent "main areas" of the continuum are often blurred, meaning that a landscape can have elements of more than one "main area".
contouring
evening out the humps and hollows on a piece of land before planting to achieve smoothly changing contours
contractile
Capable of or producing contraction.
In horticultural use some plants have contractile roots whereby the roots can contract, resulting in the plant being pulled lower into the soil than originally planted.
Contractor
a person engaged by any person (otherwise than as an employee) to do any work for gain or reward.
contractor/contract use
Any person or organization who by agreement with owner, occupier or manager of any land or animals, administers, applies, or causes to be applied, any agrichemical in an agricultural, horticultural or related situation for hire or reward. It does not include an employee, an owner, occupier or manager.
controls
A 'control', in the context of the HSNO Act, is a rule put in place on approved hazardous substances to prevent or manage any adverse effects. It may include a requirement for identifying the agrichemical, emergency management, disposal, and the competency of people using it (e.g. they must be Approved Handlers)
corm
a short, solid, vertical, enlarged underground stem in which food reserves are stored.
Corm
a shortened, vertically oriented, solid underground stem.
cormel
a corm, in the first season of development, derived from one of the multiple stem extensions appearing at the interface of the mother-corm and emerging daughter-corm. Refer also 'corm'.
Corolla
the petals, collectively.
corrosive poison
A poison containing a strong acid or alkali which will severely burn the skin, mouth, stomach, etc. or cause injury to eyes.
cottage garden
A style of garden originating in England, but popular throughout the western world. Characterised by herbaceous and annual borders within which are dispersed flowering shrubs, more often than not, roses. Walls, either masonary, timber or hedges, frequently form an integral part of the enclosure of a cottage garden.
While popular in countries other than England, some argue that the cottage garden style has hindered the development of indigenous garden styles in such countries.
cotyledon
Leaf or leaves, forming part of embryo of seeds. Cotyledons play an important role in early seedling development as they somethimes contain stored carbohydrates upon which the seedlings draws, or may act as an initial conduit of stored carbohydrates from elsewhere during this early establishment phase. Cotyledons are also important as they frequently develop chlorophyll and provide the palnt with newly synthesized carbohydrates for growth.
coverage
the percentage of target surface covered by droplets
CPPU
is a cytokinin-active compound known as N1-(2-chloro-4-pyridyl)-N3-phenylurea. While being cytokinin-active, it is not in fact a naturally occurring cytokinin, i.e. it is man-made.
When applied to kiwifruit and grapes, it results in larger sized fruit.
critical daylength
Plants are often classified with respect to their flowering response to daylength. Short-day plants (SDP) are plants, which flower after a period shorter than a particular duration known as critical daylength. Long-day plants (LDP) are plants, which flower after a period longer than a particular duration, also known as critical daylength. Some plants, however, are not affected by daylength and these are called day-neutral plants (DNP).
We note however that it is the length of darkness within a 24-hour period that is actually critical, not the duration of light.
critical growth period
period when crop growth is particularly sensitive to water stress
critical temperature
Temperature threshold above or below which a plant part is affected by a process or event, such as frost. Critical temperatures typically vary among species and are affected by stage of growth of the plant.
critique
Critical essay or analysis. Also, the art of criticism.
crop
Any plants growing where desired.
crop coefficient
Multiplying reference evapotranspiration (ET0, mm / day) by an appropriate, dimensionless crop cofficient yields an estimate of crop evapotranspiration (ETc, mm / day; see Allen et al. 1998, available at http://www.fao.org/docrep/X0490E/x0490e0a.htm#TopOfPage).
Cross
pollination The transfer of pollen from the flower of one cultivar to the stigma of another flower; pollen transfer between two genetically distinct plants.
Cross
sterile inability of a cultivar to produce fruit with viable seed when crosspollinated by another cultivar; does not preclude parthenocarpic fruit set and development.
Cross
compatible Pollen of one cultivar is capable of growing in a style and fertilizing ovules of another cultivar. However, the reciprocal may not be crosscompatible.
Cross
unfruitful one cultivar is used as a pollinizer for another cultivar and the latter fails to produce a commercial crop.
Culling (n. Cull)
removal of defective or unmarketable fruit postharvest.
cultivar
A cultivated variety of a plant. Often used interchangeably with the term 'variety' by those in the horticultural industry.
Importantly however we note it as being a 'variety' that has been developed by man and can really only be maintained by man's intervention (i.e. having achieved a new cultivar, even if you cross it with itself, the off-spring will differ widely in their characteristics...i.e. does not propagate true-to-type indefinitely). The only way a cultivar is maintained as being available for us to see and use is by propagating vegetatively or going back to the original parents to create the cross again.
cultural
the practice of modifying the growing environment to reduce the prevalence of unwanted pests
cultural practices
An overarching term describing the methods and approaches taken in the production of a plant or crop.
curative
A curative fungicide is one that can kill, or at least suppress, a disease pathogen after host infection has occurred
Cutting
organ isolated from a plant prior to root (stem cutting) or shoot (root cutting) development
CV
Coefficient of variation - a statistical term which measures the "noise" in a set of data. A CV greater than 15% indicates a data set of poor quality.
cyme
A type of inflorescence on plants in which the primary axis bears a single terminal flower that develops first, with the floral system being continued by secondary and tertiary (etc) axes with flowers.
cytokinins
Cytokinins are a class of plant growth hormones important in cell division, delaying senescence, and organ initiation.
dangerous goods
Substances that have the properties described in table A of the Land Transport Rule: Dangerous Goods and NZS 5433. Dangerous goods are those substances classified as dangerous for transport by the United Nations (UN) Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods. Dangerous goods therefore have a UN Number.
dangerous goods declaration (dgd)
A document required to be carried on vehicles that shows what is being carried, how it is packaged, the quantity being carried, and contains a declaration which verifies this information.
dangerous poison
A schedule heading which appears on the label of materials listed in the Second Schedule of the Toxic Substances Regulations (see also Poison).
day neutral
When used within the context of plants for horticultural use, day neutral plants are those that flower regardless of day length.
deadly poison
A schedule heading which appears on the label of materials listed in the First Schedule of the Toxic Substances Regulations (see also Poison).
dec
A bunch of 10 stems of flowers.
Deciduous
plant which loses its foliage annually.
decompression
the act or process of releasing from pressure or compression
decontaminate
A specific procedure to remove or neutralize any remaining agrichemical.
degradation
The process by which a chemical compound is broken down to a simpler compound by the action of micro-organisms, water, air, sunlight or other agents. Degradation products are usually less toxic than the original compound.
degree days
A unit used in estimating physiological development of a plant or invertebrate animal.
Dehiscence
Natural splitting or opening of organs (dry fruits, anthers) causing the contents to be released.
deionised water
Deionized water is a type of purified water with mineral ions (salts) removed. These mineral ions include sodium, calcium, iron, copper, chloride, and bromide. Deionized water is created by taking conventional water and exposing it to electrically charged resins that attract and bind to the salts, removing them from the water. Because most of the impurities in water are mineral salts, deionized water is mostly pure, but it does still contain numerous bacteria and viruses, which have no charge and therefore are not attracted to the electrified resins.
Delayed dormant spray
a pesticide application applied to trees when buds have begun to swell, but new tissues are not yet fully exposed.
Delayed incompatibility
a situation where a rootstock and scion appear to be compatible and grow vigorously for several years, after which time the tree declines and may eventually break cleanly at the graft union.
depauperate
lacking in numbers or variety of species
deposit
The occurrence of a chemical on a treated surface after application (see also Residue).
desiccation
the process of removing moisture or drying something.
dessication
the complete drying out or removal of moisture from a body
determinate
with reference to shoot growth whereby the terminal or central flower develops first, thereby aresting growth by elongation of the primary axis; the opposite of indeterminate.
Determinate
descriptive term applied to inflorescences having the topmost or central flower appearing and maturing first in the blooming sequence.
devernalization
the removal or loss of vernalization response in plants. Refer to the word "vernalization" for more details.
dew
Atmospheric moisture that condenses after a warm day and appears during the night on cool surfaces as small drops. The cool surfaces cause the water vapour in the air to cool to the point where the water vapour condenses.
dew point
The dewpoint temperature is the temperature at which the air can no longer hold all of its water vapor, and some of the water vapor must condense into liquid water (dew, in this case). The dew point is always lower than (or equal to) the air temperature. The dew point is the temperature to which air must be cooled for water vapour to condense into liquid water. When the dew point temperature falls below freezing it is called the frost point, as the condensing vapour no longer forms dew but hoarfrost.
dewpoint
The dewpoint temperature is the temperature at which the air can no longer hold all of its water vapor, and some of the water vapor must condense into liquid water (dew, in this case). The dew point is always lower than (or equal to) the air temperature. The dew point is the temperature to which air must be cooled for water vapour to condense into liquid water. When the dew point temperature falls below freezing it is called the frost point, as the condensing vapour no longer forms dew but hoarfrost.
DG
Dangerous Good
DGD
Dangerous Goods Declaration
diapause
A temporary pause in the growth and development of an organism due to adverse environmental conditions (especially in insects).
A period of physiologically controlled dormancy in insects.
dichasial
see dichasium
dichasium
type of inflorescence on plants.
Dichogamy
Prevention of natural selfpollination by temporal separation of pollen shedding and stigma receptivity.
dielectric
A dielectric is an electrical insulator that may be polarized by an applied electric field. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dielectric
dif
the numerical value of the difference between the day air temperature and the night air temperature over a 24 hour period.
differentiation
The process by which cells become structurally and functionally specialized during embryonic development.
diluent
Any liquid, solid or gaseous material used to dilute or carry an active ingredient.
Dioecious
The condition in which staminate and pistillate flowers are borne on separate plants (Date, Pistachio, Kiwifruit).
dip
An ectoparasiticide.
dip wash
Mixture of water and dip concentrate.
dipping bath
An open topped tank used to contain dip wash for immersing livestock.
disposal
The actions required to remove any unwanted agrichemical or agrichemical containers from long or short term storage by only accepted and/or approved methods.
distal
Situated away from; especially from place of attachment. In a fruit, the end furtherest away from the (e.g.) peduncle which is attached to the branch.
Compared with proximal.
distributor
Someone who distributes (including retailing) products whose registration is held by others (includes resellers).
diurnal
Of the day, not nocturnal; occupying one day; daily, of each day.
Within horticultural science generally used in reference to something which happens daily, i.e. over 24-hr, e.g. 'diurnal rhythm' also known as 'circadian rhythm'
Division
Potential complete plant develops while attached to parent plant.
documentation
Evidence and information either in hand written or electronic format that provides an authentic record or verification of practice, e.g.: Spray diary, storage manifest, incidentreports. Documentation may also refer to written information provided to enable safe handling and use of agrichemicals e.g. SDS, DGD, or PSC.
Dominant
An allele that expresses its phenotypic effect even when the heterozygous with a recessive allele; thus, if A is dominant over a, then A/A and A/a will have the same phenotype
Dormancy
a temporary suspension of visible growth in organs containing meristems; occurs each winter in temperate fruit trees.
Dormant oil
an important spray material for most fruit trees; emulsifiable oil is mixed with water and applied to trees before buds swell. This spray kills many overwintering fungi and insects.
dosage
The amount of chemical applied to the target. In the case of agrichemicals used in horticulture, dosage is usually expressed as the number of micrograms of the active ingredient of the applied chemical retained per square centimetre of fruit / leaf area after spray deposits have dried.
dose/dosage
Quantity of agrichemical applied to a given site, target or animal.
doubleworking
The failure of two species to unite successfully can be overcome in certain circumstances by the use of an intermediate stem piece of a variety compatible with both the scion and the rootstock. The intermediate stem is first grafted or budded onto the rootstock. The cultivar is then budded or grafted onto the intermediate stem. The relative timing of these process depends on when the intermediate stem was worked onto the rootstock.
This process is known as double-working. The most commonly encountered example is with pears, where most commercial cultivars are incompatible with quince rootstocks.
drainage
downard percolation of water through a soil toward the ground water
drift
The movement of airborne agrichemical as droplets, vapour or solid particles away from the target area.
Drift
Pesticide/insecticide spray application that is 'lost' during spraying - instead of being depositied on the target canopy, the airborne spray particles move beyond the sprayed block.
drift hazard
The hazard associated with drift and consequent trespass which may result in adverse effect to human health, animal health or the environment.
Drupe
a fleshy, indehiscent, usually oneseeded fruit with a hard, woody endocarp surrounding the seed. The "stone" (endocarp) often confused for the seed, called a pit or pyrene. A drupelet = small drupe. Example peach
dust
A finely ground, dry formulation containing active ingredient and inert carrier or diluent such as clay or talc.
ecocline
an ecocline is a region of difference across the normal range of a species. e.g. a species may be found throughout NZ but northern individuals may have slightly different characters to southern ones. The regions of difference are ecoclines.
ecodormancy
Ecodormancy is the cessation of growth induced by environmental factors. For example, in summer with excessive evaporative demand, high temperature and moisture stress, plants will cease active elongation. As soon as environmental conditions become favorable, growth will resume. Thus ecodormancy is a short term phenomenon induced and alleviated by the same variable, usually moisture.
ecology
the study of living organisms in relation to their environment and their effects on one another
economic yield
the crop yield at which profits are maximised (this is often below maximum crop yield)
ecosystem
An inclusive term for a living community and all the factors of its nonliving environment.
ecotone
an ecotone is a transition between different types of biological community e.g. the transition between forest and grassland. Species from both forest and grassland are found in the transition zone.
ecotoxic
Capable of causing ill health, injury or death to any living organism.
ectoparasiticide
An agrichemical used to control ectoparasites (e.g. sheep dips).
EEL
Environmental exposure limit
Effective pollination period
embryosac longevity minus the time required to complete pollination and pollentube growth.
Egg nucleus
One of eight nuclei contained within the embryo sac, after fusing with a generative nucleus from a pollen grain, it develops into the zygote and ultimately the embryonic plant within a seed.
electrical conductivity
In the context of horticulture production, electrical conductivity (EC) is a measure of the overall concentration of a liquid feed or hydroponic solution.
The more ions in the solution, the greater will the ability of the solution to conduct electricity. An EC probe, containing two electrodes, is placed in the test solution and the strength of the current between the electrodes measured.
EC does not give any indication of the types of nutrients in the solution, just if there are some nutrient ions.
electrode
a conductor used to make electrical contact with some part of a circuit
elevation
height above a fixed reference point, usually mean sea level (for more see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elevation)
eliminate the hazard
Remove the hazard, e.g. get rid of unwanted agrichemicals
Embryo sac
the cell in the ovule that contains the egg and polar nuclei, and develops into the embryo and endosperm.
emergency procedure
The actions required to minimize impact and injury to human health and the environment resulting from an accident with agrichemicals.
emergency response information (eri)
Information concerning the identification and hazards specific to the dangerous goods, and the recommended procedures to use in the event of an emergency
emitter
A device that, when inserted into a lateral pipe of a micro-irrigation system containing water at a set pressure, releases water from the lateral at a controlled rate.
Employee
any person of any age employed by an employer to do any work (other than residential work) for hire or reward under a contract of service and, in relation to any employer, means an employee of the employer.
Employer
Under the HSE Act, an employer (a) means a person who or that employs any other person to do any work for hire or reward; and, in relation to any employee, means an employer of the employee; and (b) includes, in relation to any person employed by the chief executive or other employee of a Crown organisation to do any work for the Crown organisation for hire or reward, that Crown organisation.
emulsifiable concentrate
A formulation produced by dissolving the active ingredient and an emulsifying agent in a suitable solvent. When added to water, an emulsion is formed.
emulsion
Fine dispersion of particles or droplets of one liquid in another liquid. Each liquid maintains its original identity.
endangered species
Individual plants or animals with a population which has been reduced to the point where survival of the species is threatened.
Endocarp
the innermost tissue layer of the ovary; often becoming specialized, like the pit of a peach or the cartilaginous tissue surrounding the seeds in an apple.
Endocarp
innermost layer; the layer next to the seed cavity, sometimes specialized into cartilaginous tissue (as in pomes) or woody tissue (as in drupes).
endodormancy
As the environment continues to be unfavorable for growth through the summer, moisture stress coupled with shortened photoperiods and cooler night temperatures promote the induction of endodormancy. Endodormancy is the classic stage of dormancy where growth is controlled by plant growth regulators within the bud itself. Plants that are endodormant will not resume growth when placed in a favorable environment with adequate moisture, long photoperiods and warm temperatures. In order for growth to resume, the plants must be exposed to cool temperatures to satisfy what is called the Chilling Requirement. Often, apples can have the chilling required satisfied by early January. Once the chilling requirement is satisfied, plants will resume growth if the environment is favorable. However, usually apples enter ecodormancy following endodormancy because temperatures are unfavorable for growth.
endogenous
In general, means anything developing or growing from 'within'. Hence, in the case of endogenous plant growth regulators, they are plant growth regulators that develop and occur naturally within the plant.
Endosperm
The nutritive tissue surrounding the embryo in a seed; created by fusion of one sperm nucleus with two polar nuclei during double fertilization. Often absorbed by the cotyledons during seed maturation in dicots.
Endosperm incompatibility
Failure of an embryo to develop as a consequence of the failure of the second generative nucleus to unite with the polar nuclei and produce endosperm.
Enology
the study of wine making.
environment
The environment is: (a) Ecosystems and their constituent parts, including people and communities; and (b) All natural and physical resources; and (c) Amenity values; and (d) The social, economic, aesthetic, and cultural conditions which affect, or are affected by (a), (b), and (c) above. OTE – Refer to the Resource Management Act.
environmental issue
A negative impact on the physical environment or living organisms caused by human activity
EPA
Environmental Protection Agency
ephemeral
Plant with short life-cycle (i.e. seed germination through to seed production), having several generations in one year, e.g. groundsel.
epigeal
pertaining to seed germination; having the cotyledon(s) emerging from the seed coat and becoming photosynthetic, e.g. lettuce, tomato. Compare hypogeal.
Epigynous
inferior ovary position. The point of attachment of the sepals, petals, and stamens is above the ovary.
epinastic
A term applied to that phase of vegetable growth in which an organ (e.g. fruit, leaf) grows more rapidly on its upper than on its under surface.
Epistasis
Dominance of one gene over a non-allelic gene. The gene suppressed is said to be hypostatic. More generally, the term epistasis is used to describe all types of interallelic interactions whereby manifestation at any locus is affected by genetic phase at any or all other loci.
EPS
Expanded polystyrene
ergonomic
Design to maximise productivity by reducing discomfort
ERI
Emergency response information
ERMA
Environmental Risk Management Authority
erosion
The wearing away of rocks, soil, etc. by the action of water, ice, wind etc.
Erwinia
[n] rod-shaped motile bacteria that attack plants.
In the case of species of Erwinia that attack calla plants, see the NZ Calla Council's Growers Handbook for details, especially Section 4.2 on pest and disease control.
ethical
in accordance with principles of conduct that are considered correct, especially those of a given profession or group
ethrel
is the registered trade name containing the plant growth regulator known as Ethephon. It is widely known for promoting ripening in many fruit crops such as bannanas, tomatoes, accelerates fruit maturity in apples and blueberries, and loosens mature fruit from the stem in cherries for easier harvesting.
ethylene
A gas produced naturally by many fruits (e.g. apples and bannanas), fungi and some bacteria which stimulates ripening and germination (though treating a plant with ethylene after it sprouts can inhibit its growth).
In horticulture ethylene is sometimes used to hasten ripening of fruit, such as bannanas.
Ethylene is also a by-product of natural gas combustion, so people with gas-heated homes that are poorly ventilated may have problems growing their houseplants.
evaporation
Loss of moisture as water vapour from surfaces other than plants.
evaporation pan
An evaporation pan is a vessel that holds water during measurements used to quantify evaporation at a given location. There are many different designs and sizes in use around the world.
evapotranspiration
Abbreviated as ET, it is the amount of water that transpires through a plant's leaves combined with the amount that evaporates from the soil in which it is growing. ET is often used as a guide for how much irrigation water needs to be applied to relieve plants of potential water stress.
evocation
Induction in an embryonic tissue of a particular process of development, by a chemical substance diffusing from neraby tissue. In plants we commonly refer to floral evocation, which in some texts may also be referred to as floral induction, i.e. the same meaning.
exclosure
Often used in the context of forestry, an exclosure is an area from which unwanted animals are excluded.
Exocarp
outermost tissue layer of the ovary; often becoming all or part of the fruit skin or peel
Exocarp
outermost layer; generally the skin or peel of the fruit.
exposure assessment
An estimation of the scale, duration and frequency of exposure to hazards
fauna
animal life associated with a particular location or time
Fecundity
This term generally means the ability to reproduce. In the context of a flower, for example, it means the ability of the flower to produce germinable seeds.
Fertilization (Syngamy)
The union of one of the male gametes (sperm) contained in the pollen grain with the female gamete (egg) in the ovule; the resulting zygote is 2n; endosperm results from the fusion of the other male gamete in the pollen grain with the two polar nuclei, so that this tissue is 3n.
field capacity
The maximum amount of water that soil will hold against the pull of gravity.
Filament
the stalk of a stamen; organ that holds the anther at its tip.
flaccid
weak and lax
flaccidity
a flabby softness
flammability
The description of the likelihood of a product catching fire and the conditions under which this could happen
flammable
Indicates a substance can easily catch fire.
Flavedo
the exocarp of a citrus fruit. The thin, colored part of the rind, containing the oil glands.
flora
plant or bacterial community associated with a particular location or time
Floral initiation
The first discernable change from a vegetative bud to a flower bud; biochemical in nature, not visible under microscope.
floral preservative
Product available commercially in the form of a powder or as a liquid with additives to preserve the flowers
Floricane
a flowering branch of a bramble plant; a one-year-old cane on which flowers and fruits arise.
Florigen
Hypothetical chemical substance causing floral initiation.
Flower
An organ bearing one or more pistils, one or more stamens, or other structures associated with reproduction.
Follicle
a dry, dehiscent, one-celled, one-to many seeded fruit dehiscing via the ventral suture only (one side). Example milkweed.
formulation
An agrichemical preparation in such a form that, with or without the addition of bulk liquid or powder, it is ready for application to the target.
frass
faecal pellets (e.g. from larvae of codling moth)
frost
Frost is a weather condition that occurs when the prevailing temperature falls below 0°C (32°F). It is recognized by the icy deposit that forms but if the air is very dry this will not occur.
frost pocket
A frost pocket is a low-lying area of land into which cold air flows from surrounding elevated areas, but cannot escape. As a consequence, it is usually subject to early and late frosts, even though the surrounding areas remain clear of frost.
FRR
Fire resistance rating
Fruit
A matured ovary; often with associated parts such as receptacle, calyx, or corolla tissue.
Fruit set
Persistence and development of an ovary and/or adjacent tissue following anthesis.
Frutescent
describes a woody plant which is shrubby or shrublike in habit. A suffrutescent shrub is slightly woody at the base, but mostly composed of herbaceous stems
fumigant
A substance, whether in solid, liquid or gaseous form, with or without the addition of warning agents that is listed in the First Schedule to the Fumigation Regulations.
fungi (singular fungus)
Non-chlorophyll-bearing plants, living as saprophytes or parasites. Some infect and cause diseases in plants, animals and humans or destroy wood and fibre products (e.g.: rusts, mildews, moulds, smuts). Others are beneficial, e.g. decomposers and human food sources. Controlled by a fungicide.
fungicide
Any agrichemical that is specifically designed to control, eradicate or interrupt the growth processes of fungal organisms.
GA
an acronym for the group of naturally occurring plant growth regulators known as gibberrellins. Known for their growth promoting activities especially stem elongation, countering dormancy, and modifying sex expression.
GAP
Good agricultural practice
Generative nucleus
The genetic material of the pollen-bearing plant which goes on to unite with either the egg nucleus or the polar nuclei in the process of double fertilization; each pollen grain contains two generative nuclei.
genes
gene: a group of base pairs in the DNA molecule in the chromosome that determines or conditions one or more herediary characters.
Genetic Drift
Changes in the frequency of an allele in a population resulting from chance differences in the actual numbers of offspring of different genotypes produced by different individual members.
Genotype
The entire genetic constitution of an organism
genus
a group of structurally related species
GHS
Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals
Gibberellic acid (GA)
a class of growth hormone that stimulates cell elongation and growth in general, but can also stimulate flowering in Zantedeschia for example.
gibberellin
Class of plant hormones having effect in promoting stem elongation of certain plants. Also involved in dormancy, sex expression, flowering and fruit formation. As an example, it can also stimulate flowering in Zantedeschia.
gibberellins
Class of plant hormones having effect in promoting stem elongation of certain plants. Also involved in dormancy, sex expression, flowering and fruit formation. As an example, it can also stimulate flowering in Zantedeschia.
girdling
Girdling is removing a band of bark from the circumference of the tree. Girdling removes the phloem but not the xylem. In production horticulture, girdling is used to improve yield. The carbohydrates produced by the leaves move down through the phloem, which is right under the bark and cambium. Water and nutrients move up, through the xylem, which makes up most of the wood. So if you girdle a
shoot, the region of shoot above the girdle can still get water and nutrients to keep it alive. Meanwhile, the carbohydrates have to go somewhere, so they go to the fruit instead of mostly to the roots, as they would have. With grapes, for example, girdling a vine at bloom time and SEEDLESS grapes will increase in size and will set more heavily. Seeded
grapes don't respond as much to girdling. Girdle within two to three weeks of ripening and it can speed up ripening.
Girdle the trunk or a cane by removing a strip 1 cm wide down to the wood. If, after a few minutes, there is any brown in the girdled area, you missed some phloem and the girdle won't have any effect - the connection wasn't completely cut. Go back and scrape it to the wood. There are commercial girdling tools
Glabrous
smooth, hairless surface.
Glaucous
Covered with bloom, which is epicuticular wax. A good example is plum.
glycolysis
A process in which glucose (sugar) is partially broken down by cells in enzyme reactions that do not need oxygen. Glycolysis is one method that cells use to produce energy. When glycolysis is linked with other enzyme reactions that use oxygen, more complete breakdown of glucose is possible and more energy is produced.
glycophyte
A plant which cannot tolerate saline (salty) conditions.
goals
Goals express some ideal state. If you are having trouble expressing a goal, then try answering this question:
What ideal condition will exist if you eliminate, prevent, or improve the situation?
Goals are sometimes referred to as aims.
Objectives and goals go hand in hand. You can learn more about objectives here.
GOL
Growing on line
A GOL is a rooted cutting or seedling in a small container that is sold by propagators for other nurseries to "grow on" to a saleable size (i.e. a saleable size for the end purchaser, usually the public)
good agricultural practice (gap)
The recommended or authorized usage of an agrichemical under practical conditions at any stage of production, storage, transportation, distribution and processing of food, agricultural commodity, or animal feed. GAP aims for the minimum quantity of agrichemical necessary to achieve adequate control, applied in a manner so as to leave a residue which is the smallest amount practicable.
Graft union
the point at which rootstock and scion are united.
Grafting
Means of vegetative propagation wherein the scion is one or more buds attached to a section of stem; methods of uniting stock and scion are more numerous and detailed than budding.
granule
A dry agrichemical formulation. The active ingredient is either mixed with or coated onto an inert carrier to form a small, ready-to-use, low-concentrate particle which does not normally present a drift hazard. Pellets differ from granules only in their precise uniformity, larger size and shape. There can be many types of granule formulations.
graphical tracking
Graphical tracking, a decision-support tool, can help growers monitor plant height throughout production and identify when plants are too tall or too short
grass
Grass temperature is the temperature measured on short (5 cm) turf with the thermometer bulb just in contact with the tips of the grass blades. See http://www.weatheronline.co.nz/reports/wxfacts/Grass-Minimum-Temperature.htm
grass temperature
The grass temperature is recorded on short (5cm) turf with the thermometer bulb just in contact with the tips of the grass blades. http://www.weatheronline.co.nz/reports/wxfacts/Grass-Minimum-Temperature.htm
gravel
soil particle > 2 mm in diameter
ground frost
When the grass temperature, measured at 20 mm above short mown grass, falls below -0.9°C.
ground water
Water that exists beneath the earth's surface in underground streams and aquifers
groundwater
Water located beneath the soil surface from which bore water is obtained or surface springs are formed. NOTE – Under the HSNO Act strict use of this word may change.
Growing Degree Day maps
Air temperatures vary around the country. Crops grow faster in warmer places. Growing Degree Day maps show the potential for growth at different locations. See also Growing Degree Days
Growing Degree Days
Plant growth depends on temperature. Growing Degree Days (GDD) predict growth rates and dates of bloom or crop maturity etc. GDD are calculated as the average of the daily maximum and minimum temperatures compared to a base temperature, usually 10°C. For example, a day with a high of 23°C and a low of 12°C would contribute (23+12)/2 – 10) 7.5 GDDs.
Gummosis
exudation of gums and resins, generally from the wood of a tree; a nonspecific malady, caused by fungi, bacteria, insects, mechanical damage, etc. Frequently occurs in stone fruits.
Gynoecium
The female reproductive component of the flower; the pistils, collectively
halophytic
a halophyte is a plant that normally lives in an evironment rich in salt.
hard water
'Hard' water is characterised by high levels of soluble salts such as magnesium and calcium.
hardening off
the checking of growth prior to shifting a seedling/plant from a protected environment to the field, so as to enable it to withstand stress at transplanting such as lack of water, low temperatures and wind.
harm
means illness, injury, or both; and includes physical or mental harm caused by work-related stress.
hazard
means an activity, arrangement, circumstance, event, occurrence, phenomenon, process,situation, or substance (whether arising or caused within or outside a place of work) that isan actual or potential cause or source of harm; and includes: (i) a situation where a person’s behaviour may be an actual or potential cause or source of harm to the person or another person; and (ii) without limitation, a situation described in subparagraph (i) resulting from physical or mental fatigue, drugs, alcohol, traumatic shock, or another temporary condition that affects a person’s behaviour.
hazard classification: dangerous goods.
Classified according to the predominant type of risk. Class definitions are given in NZS 5433.
hazard notice
A notice that: (a) describes a hazard identified in a place of work; and (b) is in the prescribed form; and (c) may set out suggested steps to deal with the hazard.
hazard records
Records kept by the business detailing events and processes.
hazard register
A list of hazards in the workplace.
hazardnzm
A situation that poses a threat to life, health, property, or the environment.
hazardous substance
As defined in the HSNO Act and Regulations, a hazardous substance has one or more of the following properties: explosiveness, flammability, capacity to oxidize (i.e. accelerate a fire), corrosiveness, toxicity (to humans), ecotoxicity (i.e. can kill living things either directly or by building up in the environment), and can generate a hazardous substance on contact with air or water.
hazardous substance
A material that has the potential to cause harm
hazardous substances inventory
A detailed list of chemicals kept on site.
hazchem
An emergency action code for emergency services, giving basic details for initial emergency management.
haznote
A shortened version of the SDS – describes properties and use of substance (Also called a Product Safety Card).
HDPE
High density polyethylene
head unit
The head unit of an irrigation system comprises equipment to regulate pressure, to filter and to add chemicals to the irrigation water supply.
Hectare
A unit of land are equal to 10,000 m2, or about 2.4 acres.
herbaceous
Any of various types of non-woody plants with green stems. Herbaceous plants die down to ground level in the winter. Most plants grown as perennials or annuals are herbaceous.
herbicide
An agrichemical that is specifically designed to kill or eradicate unwanted plants.
Heritability
The proportion of observed variability which is due to heredity, the remainder being due to environmental causes. More strictly, the proportion of observed variability due to the additive effects of genes
Hermaphroditic
having anthers and pistils in the same flower; perfect.
Hesperidium
a fleshy, indehiscent fruit with a leathery or hard rind; flesh divided into several segments by thin septa e.g. citrus
Heterodichogamy
having flowers of different sexes that are functional at different times on the same plant.
Heterogamy
having flowers of differing sex on the same plant (monoecious).
heterogeneous
diverse in character, composed of many different species.
heterogeneous nucleation
Uneven initiation of ice crystals within the liquid phase of the cell
Heterosis
Hybrid vigor such that an F1 hybrid falls outside the range of the parents with respect to some character or characters. Usually applied to size, rate of growth, or general thriftiness
Heterostyly
Are flowers that have the anthers much longer than the style (or vice versa)
Heterozygous
Having unlike alleles at one or more corresponding loci (opposite of homozygous)
HFSP
Hazardous Facilities Screening Procedure
Homozygous
Having identical alleles at one or more corresponding loci on homologous chromosomes
horticultural system
system involving the culture of plants given individual care and attention
host
A plant or animal on, or in, which a pest lives.
HSE
Health and Safety in Employment (Act and Regulations)
HSNO
Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (Act and Regulations)
HSW
Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
humidity
Air Humidity is the amount of water vapour in the air. The term ‘humidity’ is normally taken to mean ‘relative humidity’ which the ratio of the actual partial pressure of water vapour to the saturated vapour pressure at that same temperature. For more see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humidity
hybrid
plant or animal resulting from a cross between parents that are genetically unlike; often restricted to the offspring of two different species or of well-marked varieties within a species.
Hydrocooling
initial postharvest handling practice where cold water is used rapidly reduce fruit temperature
hydrogen ion
The positively charged ion of hydrogen, H+
hydrolysis
Breakdown of a chemical in the presence of water.
hydroponic
Hydroponics is often defined as "the cultivation of plants in water." Research has since determined that many different aggregates or media will support plant growth; therefore, the definition of hydroponics has been broadened to read "the cultivation of plants without soil."
I don't agree with this broadened definition, as it would include all plants grown in peat or bark-based mixes. For me, hydroponics is the "cultivation of plants in a recirculating nutrient solution that may pass through aggregates". The recirculating issue is significant - if there is no recirculation, then I would consider the crop to be one that was liquid fed, not hydroponically grown.
Hypanthium
the floral cup; fusion of the bases of the sepals, petals, and stamens into a continuous, cupshaped structure surrounding the ovary.
hypocotyl
The part of the stem of an embryo or young seedling below the cotyledonary node.
hypogeal
pertaining to seed germination; having the cotyledon(s) remaining within the seed coat, e.g. pea, broadbean. Compare epigeal
Hypogeous
Plants that have underground flowers
Hypogynous
superior ovary position. The point of attachment of the sepals, petals, and stamens is below the ovary
IAA
An acronym for the naturally occurring plant growth regulator Indol Acetic Acid, which is one of a group known as auxins.
IBDU
Isobutylidene diurea (IBDU) is a slow release nitrogen fertiliser.
IBDU is a white crystalline solid available in fine (0.5 to 1.0 mm), coarse (.7 to 2.5 mm) and chunk (2.0 to 3.0 mm) particle sizes. The product contains a minimum of 30 percent N with 90 percent of the N in water-insoluble form. The typical commercialized product contains about 31 percent N.
Nitrogen from IBDU becomes available to plants through hydrolysis. In the presence of water, the compound will hydrolyze (break down) to urea and isobutyraldehyde. The rate of hydrolysis is accelerated by low pH and high temperature. IBDU is primarily dependent on water as the critical element in N availability. Its low water solubility controls the transport of the product into the soil solution.
The rate at which IBDU dissolves in water is affected by particle size and the amount of water available. Once in the soil solution, the rate of hydrolysis is affected by soil pH and temperature. The powder form is mineralized much more rapidly than large particles under the same field conditions.
Because N release from IBDU is not microbe-dependent, it occurs readily at relatively low temperatures. Thus, it is one of the preferred products for cool-season applications. These, combined with the dependency on moisture, are the distinguishing characteristics of IBDU.
IFP
Integrated Fruit Production. A dynamic production system for fruit crops that aims at long-term sustainability and uses the best of technology, research and experience. One definition is: “The economical production of high quality fruit, giving priority to ecologically safer methods, minimising the undesirable side effects and use of agrochemicals, to enhance the safeguards to the environment and human health.” [Dickler & Schafermeyer, 1991]
illegal residue
A quantity of agrichemical remaining in an animal or crop at slaughter or harvest which is either above the MRL or which is not allowed to be used on the crop or animal.
imbibition
In horticulture, this term is usually associated with the uptake of water by seeds.
Imbibition of water by seeds is a prerequisite for many processes, including the processes involved in overcoming some forms of dormancy through to germination itself.
imbibitional
The context of this word is not known. See imbibition instead
immunity
The principle by which the body is protected from the invasion of certain diseases.
Incompatibility
With reference to pollination, inability to produce sexual seed. With reference to grafting; a scion/rootstock combination incapable of coexisting.
incompatible
Two or more materials which cannot be successfully mixed or used together.
incompatiblenzm
A situation where the mixing of any substance or residue with another may create a hazard
indehiscent
(of fruits), not opening spontaneously to liberate their seeds, e.g. hazel-nut.
Indeterminate
descriptive term applied to inflorescences having the top most or central flower appearing and maturing last in the blooming sequence.
induction
Often used in the context of floral induction, induction means the first critical step in initiating differentiation of floral tissue in the bud. This step may be triggered by daylength or temperature, but when we say the floral induction has occurred, we are referring to the first step in the cell that results in the development of floral organs.
infectious substance
A substance known to contain pathogens that can cause infectious disease in animals or humans.
Inferior ovary
epigynous; (see ovary). Ovary sits below the point of attachment of other flower parts.
infiltration
to pass into or through something (such as the soil) by penetrating its pores
Inflorescence
a cluster of flowers.
inflorescense
see Inflorescence
information
See documentation.
infra red radiation
Infrared light is electromagnetic radiation with longer wavelengths than those of visible light, extending from the nominal red edge of the visible spectrum at 700 nanometres to 1 mm.
Infructescence
a ripened inflorescence.
inoculum
Material used to initiate a microbial culture.
insecticide
An agrichemical that is specifically designed to control, eradicate or interrupt the growth processes of insects.
insects
Arthropods characterized by a body composed of 3 segments and 3 pairs of legs: controlled by insecticides.
instar
Another word for stage, step, or phase. A stage in the development of an insect larva between two moults. Each species of insect has a fixed number of moults. Drosophila have three larval stages in their life cycle, which means that there are three larval forms they go through before becoming pupa.
integrated pest management (ipm)
An ecologically based pest control strategy which may include the judicious use of agrichemicals and other control measures.
Integrated pest management (IPM)
A pest management system that, in the context of the associated environment and the population dynamics of the pest species, utilizes all suitable techniques and methods in as compatible a manner as possible and maintains pest populations at levels below those causing economic injury. The objective of the integrated control system is the optimization of control in terms of the overall economic, environmental, and social needs of mankind; maximizing the advantages while minimizing the disadvantages of pesticides, taking the total environment into account.
intercalary
meristematic tissue or growth that is not restricted to the apex of an organ, e.g. growth at the nodes of the shoot
internode
The region of stem between two successive nodes
internodes
see internode
inter-row
The space between adjacent rows of crop.
interstock
an intermediate stem piece that is grafted between the scion and the stock to enhance the composite tree
Interstock (Interstem)
a stem piece inserted between a rootstock and a scion.
inversion
An inversion refers to an increase in air temperature with altitude, a deviation from the more normal decrease in air temperature with altitude. An inversion is stable and can lead to pollutants, such as agricultural sprays, being trapped close to the ground (for more, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inversion_(meteorology))
invertebrate
An invertebrate is an animal without a backbone, eg. spiders and insects. A terrestrial invertebrate lives on land.
Involucre
a whorl of bracts subtending a flower or inflorescence; can be leafy (Hazelnut), fleshy (walnut), or woody (cup of an oak acorn)
IPM
Integrated pest management
irradiance
The density of radiation incident on a given surface. In horticulture, it is a measure of the amount (strength) of sunlight hitting crop foliage.
irrigation
Intentional application of water for purposes of sustained plant growth and/or optimised production.
irritant
A substance that will cause irritation or inflammation if contact is made with the skin, eyes, or is inhaled.
isocyanate
A chemical associated with marine grade paints.
isolate the hazard
Put a barrier between the hazard and people; e.g. put agrichemicals in a secure, locked store.
ITO
Industry Training Organization
journal
A journal is a professional diary into which are entered ideas, observations and reflections on issues related to your work. Fruit and vegetable growers keep spray journals in which they note the type, timing and rate of the chemicals they apply to their crops. Later, they will note (reflect upon) the level of control achieved by the spray application and what future changes are necessary to achieve better control. The next time you are visiting garden open days, look for other visitors taking notes. These people are likely to be landscape designers making notes in their field journals. They may be writing about aesthetically pleasing combinations of plants of value to them in their future designs, or noting characteristics and growing conditions of plants they have not seen before. Plant scientists maintain detailed experiment journals. In these they keep records of the treatments they applied to their test plants and the plants' subsequent responses. Writing reflectively in their journal about these responses is often the trigger for the flashes of inspiration that lead onto the next set of experiments. Students, in turn, use learning journals.
June drop
shedding of fruits in May or June due to competition for resources; reduced by thinning.
juvenile
In the development of all woody plants from seed there is a so-called juvenile phase, lasting up to 30-40 years for some forest tree species, during which flowering does not occur and cannot be induced by the normal flower initiating treatment or condition. In time, however, the ability to flower is achieved and maintained under natural conditions. At this stage the tree is considered to have attained a sexually mature (or adult) condition.
The change from juvenile to adult is a physiological one, not one controlled by time.
Juvenility
stage of life cycle where flowering/fruiting is not yet possibl
katabatic
katabatic wind (Greek katabatikos = going downhill) is a drainage wind that carries high density cold air down a slope under gravity. For more see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katabatic_wind
katabatic flow
describes a wind directed down a slope, caused by downhill drainage of cooler, dense mountain air. Katabatic winds in Antarctica tend to flow from the central ice dome down valleys and can be very strong.
(Source: NIWA; http://www.niwa.co.nz/)
label
Any written, pictorial or other descriptive information on any agrichemical container, or other information leaflets supplied to be read in conjunction with the container label.
larvae
A stage of growth for some insects, in which they are wingless and resemble a caterpillar or grub after hatching from their egg
latent heat
Latent heat is the amount of energy absorbed (or released) during a change of state from solid to liquid (liquid to solid) or from liquid to gas (gas to liquid). The two latent heats are called the latent heat of fusion (melting) and the latent heat of vaporisation (boiling / condensation). For more see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latent_heat
latent heat of freezing
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lateral
A small diameter pipe for distributing water that is fed by the larger diameter main pipe in an irrigation system.
lateral bud
a bud that grows out of the side of a stem.
latitude
location of a place on Earth in terms of its distance north or south of the equator (for more, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latitude)
LD50
Lethal dose 50
ld50 (lethal dose 50)
The relative measure of the short term toxicity of an agrichemical. It refers to the dosage sufficient to kill 50 % of a test animal population to which it is given. It is measured in milligrams per kilogram of body weight (mg/kg).
LDPE
Low density polyethylene
leaching
The movement of a substance through soil with water.
leaching
removal of soluble components by percolating water
leaf area index
LAI: the ratio of the total area of the leaves of a crop to the ground area occupied by the crop.
lecturers
Wonderful people. Warm, kind, always trying to be helpful to their students. Retiring sorts.
leeward
on the side to which the wind is blowing
legislation
Another word for the process of making laws
Legume
same as follicle, expect that dehiscence is via 2 sutures, ventral and dorsal; (syn. pod). Example - bean
levy
An ACC levy is the amount charged by ACC per $100 of earnings to cover any future accidents/injuries.
Liana
a woody, climbing vine.
life cycle
A life cycle is a period involving all different generations of a species succeeding each other through means of reproduction, whether through asexual reproduction or sexual reproduction (a period from one generation of organisms to the same identical).http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life_cycle_%28biology%29
ligand
In chemistry, a ligand is an atom, molecule, radical, or ion forming a complex with a central atom
In physiology, a ligand is a chemical agent, neurotransmitter or hormone, that directly or indirectly activates ion channels to permit or block movement of specific ions across membranes.
lignin
Lignin is a substance related to cellulose that provides rigidity and together with cellulose forms the woody cell walls of plants and the cementing material between them. A complex polymer, lignin is the chief constituent of wood other than carbohydrates.
ligulate
Bearing a ligule. A ligule being the thin and strap-shaped projection from the upper end of the sheath of a leaf of grass.
linear regression
In statistics, linear regression refers to any approach to modeling the relationship between one or more variables denoted y and one or more variables denoted x, such that the model depends linearly on the unknown parameters to be estimated from the data.
Linkage
Association of characters in inheritance due to the location of genes in proximity on the same chromosome.
local authority
A regional council or territorial authority.
Location Test Certificate
Certification that the location where hazardous substances are stored meets regulatory requirements. May be required for chemicals that are explosive, flammable and/or oxidisers. Typical requirements relate to control of ignition sources, ventilation and signage. Should not be required for most user agrichemical stores.
Locule
the seed cavity; then central, open portion of a carpel.
Locus
The position occupied by a gene (or a short sequence) in a chromosome
Loment
a dry, dehiscent, one- celled, many-seeded fruit which is constricted between the seeds, dehiscence is via 2 sutures, ventral and dorsal.
long
When used in context of horticultural plants, long day plants are those in which flowering is promoted when the duration of the daily period of darkness is shorter than the critical night length for that plant.
MAF
Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries
maim
To wound or disable someone
Male Sterility
Absence or non-function of pollen in plants
malleability
The property of something that can be worked or hammered or shaped without breaking
manufacturer
Manufacture, in relation to any agricultural compound, means to make up, prepare, produce, or process the agricultural compound; and includes the packing of an agricultural compound in a container for the purposes of sale.
marker
Any person employed to mark the boundaries of, and flight lines for a treatment area.
mating disruption
A pest management technique that introduces sex pheromones into the orchard to confuse males preventing courtship, thus preventing mating and blocking the reproductive cycle.
maturation
Maturation includes both short-term and long-term changes to participants, biologically and physiologically, due to normal growth and development.
It is a sometimes abrupt or, more common, unevenly gradual process of orderly development from embryonic through juvenile and adolescent to mature.
see also maturity
maturity
When a plant becomes potentially capable of reproduction, it is said to be mature.
maximum allowable depletion
The maximum level of depletion to which the soil can dry without causing water deficit stress in a crop that has a fully expanded root zone. Notionally, the sum of the readily available water in each soil horizon within the plant root zone with an allowance made for the soil water extraction pattern of the crop.
maximum residue limit (mrl)
A MRL is the maximum amount of residue of an agrichemical or veterinary chemical which may legally remain on or in food or stock feed at harvest or slaughter, expressed in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg).
MRLs are based on good agricultural practice data (GAP), and residues in foods derived from commodities that comply with the respective MRLs are intended to be toxicologically acceptable. MRLs are intended primarily as a check that GAP is being followed and to assist international trade in produce treated with pesticides. MRLs are not in themselves 'safety limits', and exposure to residues in excess of an MRL does not automatically imply a hazard to health.
megasporophyll
A specialized leaf upon (or in the axil of), typically in certain ferns, which one or more megasporangia are borne.
meiosis
Take your pick....
* cell division that produces reproductive cells in sexually reproducing organisms; the nucleus divides into four nuclei each containing half the chromosome number (leading to gametes in animals and spores in plants)
* The process in which a single diploid cell becomes four haploid cells in two consecutive divisions of the nucleus of an eukaryotic cell. In multicellular organisms this occurs only in the progenitors of sex cells and never in somatic cells.
* The reduction division process by which haploid gametes and spores are formed, consisting of a single duplication of the genetic material followed by two mitotic divisions.
* The process of two consecutive cell divisions in the diploid progenitors of sex cells. Meiosis results in four rather than two daughter cells, each with a haploid set of chromosomes.
* The form of cell division occurring in specialized tissues in the testes and ovary that leads to the production of gametes.
* The reduction division process by which haploid gametes and spores are formed, consisting of a single duplication of the genetic material followed by two mitotic divisions.
* The process of two consecutive cell divisions in the diploid progenitors of sex cells. Meiosis results in four rather than two daughter cells, each with a haploid set of chromosomes.
* The form of cell division occurring in specialized tissues in the testes and ovary that leads to the production of gametes.
mericarp
one-seeded portion of a schizocarp.
meristematic
Meristematic tissue is undifferentiated tissue, the cells of which are capable of active cell division and differentiation into specialised tissues.
Mesocarp
the middle tissue layer of an ovary; often developing into the fruit flesh.
Mesocarp
middle layer; generally the fruit pulp or flesh.
mesocotyl
Hypocotyl is a botanical term for a part of a germinating seedling of a seed plant. As the plant embryo grows at germination, it sends out a shoot called a radicle that becomes the primary root and penetrates down into the soil. After emergence of the radicle, the hypocotyl emerges and lifts the growing tip (usually including the seed coat) above the ground, bearing the embryonc leaves (called cotyledons) and the plumule that gives rise to the first true leaves. The hypocotyle is the primary organ of extension of the young plant and develops into the stem.
The early development of a monocot seedling like cereals and other grasses is somewhat different. A structure called the coleoptile, essentially a part of the cotyledon, protects the young stem and plumule as growth pushes them up through the soil. A mesocotyl — that part of the young plant that lies between the seed (which remains buried) and the plumule — extends the shoot up to the soil surface, where secondary roots develop from just beneath the plumule. The primary root from the radicle may then fail to develop further. The mesocotyl is considered to be partly hypocotyl and partly cotyledon
METABOLICALLY
... being involved with metabolism.
Metabolism is:
1. The act or process, by which living tissues or cells take up and convert into their own proper substance the nutritive material brought to them by the blood, or by which they transform their cell protoplasm into simpler substances, which are fitted either for excretion or for some special purpose, as in the manufacture of the digestive ferments. Hence, metabolism may be either constructive ({anabolism}), or destructive ({katabolism}).
2. The series of chemical changes which take place in an organism, by means of which food is manufactured and utilized and waste materials are eliminated.
3. The biochemical processes that sustain a living cell or organism.
metabolite
A compound derived from changes in the active ingredient through chemical or biological reactions. The metabolite is usually simpler in chemical structure than the original compound.
Metaxenia
effects of the pollen source on the fruit tissues exclusive of the seeds.
Metric ton
One thousand kilograms, or 2200 lbs. World production data are reported using this unit.
microbe
A minute life form; includes bacteria, fungi and protozoans.
microbial degradation
Breakdown of a chemical by micro-organisms.
microclimate
A microclimate is a local atmospheric zone where the climate differs from the surrounding area. The term may refer to areas as small as a few square feet (for example a garden bed) or as large as many square miles (for example a valley). ...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microclimate
micro-irrigation
A form of irrigation that applies water frequently, at low flow rates, above or below the soil surface through emitters fed by water delivery lines (laterals).
micron
One micron (symbol µm) is one millionth of a metre. Spray droplet sizes are usually quoted as their diameter in microns.See also Volume Median Diameter
micro-organism
An organism which is so small it cannot be seen without the aid of a microscope.
microprocessor
A programmable electronic device that delivers data outputs by processing data inputs according to instructions it holds in memory
micro-sprinkler
spray emitter in a micro-irrigation system
micro-sprinkler
Spray type emitter used in micro-irrigation systems
minimise the hazard
Reduce the likelihood of harm e.g. provide and require people to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
mission
The mission of an enterprise is the unique aim that sets the enterprise apart from others of its type. The mission is the broadest aim that a particular enterprise chooses for itself. The mission of an enterprise is important for directing the activities of that enterprise.
Mixed bud
a bud possessing both flowers and leaves, as opposed to a simple bud that contains either flowers or leaves.
mixing rates
quantity of agrichemical product in 100 litres of dilute spray mix
modified urban
A term to describe a certain type of landscape on the landscape continuum. This refers to landscapes that are heavily influenced and prescribed by people, and are in urban areas.
Monoecious
A plant having separate male and female flowers, as in pecan and walnut.
morphological
see morphology
morphology
The form and structure of an organism or part of an organism; the study of form and structure.
MRL
Maximum residue limit
MSDS
A document that provides important information for the safe handling, storage and usage of hazardous substances
MTQ
Maximum transport quantity
mulch
A natural or artificial layer of ground-up plants or other materials applied to the soil surface.
Multiple fruit
fruit produced by the fusion or adherence of two or more ovaries arising from different flowers; a fused inflorescence often. Examples pineapple and mulberry; in the latter resembling an aggregate fruit in appearance. Sometimes termed a syncarp (syn. syncarpium) if it contains nonovarian tissues, as it usually does
mutant
[n] an organism that has characteristics resulting from chromosomal alteration.
mycorrhiza
The symbiotic fungus associated with a plant's roots. Hence a mycorrhizal relationship describes the symbiotic relationship between plant root cells and fungi.
mycorrhizae
A mycorrhizal fungus is one that grows in association with the roots of a plant in a symbiotic or mildly pathogenic relationship.
N.O.S.
Not otherwise specified
NAA
Naphthalene acetic acid; a synthetic auxin used to thin fruitlets in the spring, or ironically, to prevent fruit abscission just before harvest.
national poisons information centre
Full title, National Poisons and Hazardous Chemicals Information Centre. Located in Dunedin. (Contact free phone number = 0800 POISON)
necrosis
Death of living tissues due to infection or injury
Nectary
organ that secretes nectar, usually at the base of the ovary in flowers.
nematicide
An agrichemical to kill nematodes.
Nematocide
a chemical which kills nematodes (microscopic round worms that attack plant roots).
neonicotinoid
Neonicotinoids are a class of insecticides which act on the central nervous system of insects with lower toxicity to mammals.source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neonicotinoid
net operating profit
Net operating profit is calculated as pre-tax profit minus tax; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Net_profit
neutron
A subatomic particle with no net electric charge and a mass slightly larger than that of a proton, usually found in atomic nuclei.
neutron probe
A neutron probe reflects the ability of hydrogen nuclei to reduce the energy of 'fast' neutrons. This means that the amount of hydrogen atoms in the soil will be indicated by the number of slow neutrons measured by the probe. The advantage of this system is that it can give a soil moisture reading for a certain volume of soil. Unfortunately, this is an expensive way of measuring the soil moisture content.
nitrate
Chemically speaking, it is the negatively charged molecule NONO3, which contains a nitrogen atom, three oxygen atoms and a lone pair of electrons.
In the context of fertilisers, nitrate is an important source of nitrogen for plants and is very mobile in soils.
More generally, nitrate is a compound containing nitrogen that can exist in the atmosphere or as a dissolved gas in water and which can have harmful effects on humans and animals. Nitrates in water can (at high levels) cause severe illness in infants and domestic animals. A plant nutrient and inorganic fertilizer, nitrate is found in septic systems, animal feed lots, agricultural fertilizers, manure, industrial waste waters, sanitary landfills, and garbage dumps.
node
Part of plant stem where one or more leaves arise. This is in contrast to an internode which is the region of stem between two such nodes.
non-target species
Any plant or animal other than the intended target(s) of an agrichemical application.
noosphere
The word, first used by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin in his Theory of Evolution to the stage or sphere characterized by the emergence of consciousness and mind which follows the establishment of human life...
The world of the mind.
also see noospheric
noospherical
Any evolving system of genuine importance must stand upon something else. Nothing can support itself without recourse to a foundation of some kind, ideally a foundation both solid and robust. Rock is just such a manifest solid structure ideally suited to bear an evolving system atop it. Itself the manifest result of rock-hard physical law (like gravity) terrestrial rock, or the geosphere, is more than just densely packed minerals. Rock is like a marvellously enduring idea, an objectified layer of the Earth upon which all else of interest stands, be it an ocean teeming with fish or a forest teeming with plants and fungi. In essence, rock serves to support the biosphere, that great interwoven layer of life and gases covering our planet. Yet even the great interconnected web that is the biosphere is not the end of this layered system for, as we shall see, somewhere 'beyond' the biospheric layer of life and the Earth's atmosphere, lies the noosphere, the mind layer of the planet, that space of consciousness wherein you and I with our conscious thoughts, even now, dwell.
source: http://www.island.org/prescience/noosphere.html
nucellar
refer to the word "nucellus"
Nucellus
tissue that surrounds the embryo sac in an ovule. Adventitious embryos arise from this maternal tissue in citrus and mango, causing nucellar embryony or a polyembryonic condition.
Nuclear incompatibility
Failure of the egg and pollen nuclei to to unite and form although the latter has entered the egg.
Nut
a dry, indehiscent, oneseeded (usually) fruit with a hard exterior. Term often misused, as in peanut, Brazil nut, or coconut, these being a legume, a seed, and a drupe, respectively. Example pecan
nymph
A nymph is the immature form of some invertebrates, particularly insects, which undergoes incomplete metamorphosis before reaching its adult stage. Unlike a typical larva, a nymph's overall form already resembles that of the adult.
NZBC
New Zealand Building Code
NZCIC
New Zealand Chemical Industry Council
NZFSA
New Zealand Food Safety Authority
objectives
Objectives are the actions you intend taking to reach stated goal(s). A well structured objective must address five key points:each objective should state a specific action, not a vague allusion to some diffusely defined goal. Avoid using 'process-orientated' objectives, characterised by phrases such as 'to study ...' or 'to investigate...'. Such objectives tend to be open-ended and could well be achieved by doing almost nothing! Instead, develop 'output-orientated' objectives (e.g.'... identify ways to improve pedestrian flow through the display beds to avoid people taking short cuts and damaging plants'). Such objectives ensure that the outcomes of the objective are defined, thus giving the manager (or management team) a yardstick with which to assess achievement. each objective should be achievable, i.e. make sure that you are realistic in your expectations. Do not risk over-inflating your expected output just to make the plan look more attractive.
the outcome(s) of each objective should be measurable. For example, a successful outcome in improving pedestrian flow may be a 20% reduction in the costs associated with plant replacement. you should specify the time frame within which you will meet your objective.link the outcome of each objective with the benefits to the client that will come from its accomplishment. This reinforces the importance of each objective to reaching the goals of the project.
oedema
swelling from excessive accumulation of serous fluid in tissue.
In Zantedeschia for example this can cause rupture of the cells at the tips of the flower spathe.
off-label use
Use of an agrichemical for purposes, or at rates, other than the label prescription.
ontogeny
The whole course of development during an individual's life history.
Open center
A tree training system where 35 main structural limbs (scaffolds) radiate in all directions from a stout trunk 13 ft tall. No structural limbs grow in the center of the canopy. Often used with trees having weak apical control and tend to form rounded canopies naturally (e.g., peach, plum, apricot, almond).
operator
Any person or organization at whose direction, or upon whose authority, an agrichemical is applied.
oral nutritional compounds
A substance ingested by an animal as feed, or a nutritional preparation intended for oral administration to an animal to achieve a nutritional benefit. Nutritional benefit means contributing to the normal physiological function and metabolic homeostasis of an animal achieved by the oral provision of nutrients.
organelles
An organelle is the name for a specialised part of a cell.
In dictionary language: A membrane-bound body found in the cytoplasm of the cell that performs specific cellular functions.
Examples of organelles include the nucleus, chloroplasts, mitochondria.
organic matter
general term for remains of organisms and humus in all degrees of degradation
organo-phosphates
Agrichemicals and animal endoparasiticides and ectoparasiticides which contain the element phosphorus. Most are non-persistent insecticides, miticides and nematicides. Many are highly toxic (e.g. Maldison, parathion, diazinon, and trichlorfon).
OSH
Occupational Safety and Health
osmocote
Osmocote is the tradename for a resin coated controlled release fertiliser. Nutrient salts (macro and micronutrients) are contained within a resin prill and gradually move out into the surrounding environment.
Release rate is a function of temperature and properties of the resin coating.
Ossiculus
the stone or pit of a drupe (syn. pyrene).
OTC
Over the counter (medicine)
Ovary
The swollen base of the pistil, containing the ovules. A compound ovary consists of two or more carpels, or subdivisions of the ovary.
Ovule
An immature seed; the embryo sac surrounded by the integuments. The embryo sac develops into the embryo plus the endosperm, and the integuments develop into the seed coat. (see also http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ovule)
Own
rooted scion fruit tree propagated vegetatively by layering or cuttings; the tree's root system is produced adventitiously from mature scion wood
oxidise
To combine with oxygen
palisade
Usually referred to in relation to palisade parenchyma cells which are elongated cells, containing many chloroplasts, found just beneath the upper epidermis of leaves.
pan
a soil layer impervious to water
pan coefficient
Multiplying evaporation from an evaporation pan (mm / day) by an appropriate, dimensionless pan coefficient yields an estimate of reference evapotranspiration (mm / day).
panicle
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panicle
PAPR
Powered air purifying respirator
PAR
Prescription animal remedy
paradormancy
Paradormancy is a type of dormancy that is regulated by buds elsewhere on the tree. Plants maintain apical dominance and prevent axillary buds from growing through paradormancy
parasite
A plant, animal or micro-organism living in, on, or with another living organism (the host) for the purpose of obtaining all or part of its food. The host does not benefit from the association, and is often harmed by it.
parasiticide
A plant or animal health product used for the control of internal and/or external parasites.
parenchyma
[n] the primary tissue of higher plants composed of thin-walled cells that remain capable of cell division even when mature; constitutes the greater part of leaves, roots, the pulp of fruits, and the pith of stems.
Parthenocarpy
Fruit development in the absence of fertilization and seed production. Vegetative parthenocarpy is the form where pollination need not occur for fruit set, whereas stimulative parthenocarpy is the form where pollination stimulates fruit set, yet fertilization does not occur.
pathenocarpy
the development of fruit without fertilisation
PAYE
Pay As You Earn
Pedicel
the stalk of a flower in an inflorescence.
Peduncle
the stalk supporting the entire inflorescence or a single fruit.
Penetrance
The frequency with which a gene produces a recognizable effect in individuals which carry it
Penetrometer
device for measuring the firmness of fruit flesh.
Pepo
a fleshy fruit from a compound, inferior ovary, generally having a thick, tough rind. Distinguished from a hesperidium by having parietal placentation instead of axile, and coming from an inferior, not a superior ovary. Example watermelon (most Curcurbitaceae).
percolation
within a horticultural context, is a process where a liquid filters or permeates through pores of a substrate. Most commonly that substrate might be soil, but also other growing media.
perennial
Refers to a plant that lives for more than two years; it may or may not lose its leaves or seem to die back at the end of a growing season.
Perfect flower
A flower having both male and female parts.
Perianth
the calyx and corolla together.
pericarp
Wall of an ovary after it has matured into a fruit; may be dry, membranous, or hard, e.g. achene, nut; or fleshy, e.g. berry.
Pericarp
the wall of the fruit derived from ovary tissue. Divided into three histogenic layers:
Perigynous
halfinferior ovary position. The point of attachment of the sepals, petals, and stamens surrounds the ovary.
perisperm
Nutritive tissue surrounding embryo in some seeds; derived from nucellus.
permanent wilting point
The lower limit of the range of plant available water
permeable
Allowing gases or liquids to pass through
peroxidase
A group of enzymes which remove hydrogen peroxide from the cell by turning it into water. Hydrogen peroxide is a very harmful radical that, if left alone, will cause extensive damage to DNA.
persistent chemical
An agrichemical (or its metabolites) which remains active in the environment for more than one growing season. Some compounds can accumulate in animal and plant tissues or remain in soil for years (e.g. DDT, dieldrin, persistent herbicides).
personal protective equipment (ppe)
The items of apparel and equipment, including respiratory protection, worn by a person and intended either to prevent the occurrence of harm to the person or to minimize any harm that may occur from hazards present in the workplace or hazards that may arise in the course of work.
pest
An undesirable organism (bacteria, insect, fungus, nematode, weed, virus, animal) which is injurious to humans, desirable plants and animals, manufactured products or natural products.
pesticide
Any substance or mixture of substances represented by the registrant as suitable for the eradication or control of any pest, whether by way of modification of behaviour or development or otherwise; and includes any substance or mixture of substances represented by the registrant as suitable for use as a plant growth regulator, or a defoliant, or a desiccant, and also any substance to which s. 112 of the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Act 1997 applies. See also agrichemical, agricultural compound.
pesticide
A pesticide is a substance or mixture of substances used to kill a pest.[1] A pesticide is any substance or mixture of substance intended for preventing, destroying, repelling or mitigating any pest. A pesticide may be a chemical substance, biological agent (such as a virus or bacteria), antimicrobial, disinfectant or device used against any pest. source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pesticide
PET
Polyethylene terephthalate
Petal
A member of the corolla; a floral appendage. Often showy and conspicuous.
petiole
the stalk of a leaf
PG
Packing group
PGR
The abbreviation for plant growth regulator
pH
pH is a measure of acidity and alkalinity scaled between 1 and 14. A pH of 7 is neutral, less than 7 acid and more than 7 alkaline. Most natural waters have a pH of between 6.5 and 8.
phenology
Study of periodicity phenomena of plants, e.g. time of flowering in relation to the daylength and weather.
phenols
A class of weakly acidic organic compounds which play a variety of roles in plant metabolism. For example, phenolic compounds are involved in wound responses and in resisting fungal infection. Phenolic compounds are responsible for astringency and/or bitter flavors in wine. Paradoxically, these compounds can be phytotoxic to plants when outside of the cell.
Phenotype
Appearance of an individual as contrasted with its genetic make-up or genotype. Also used to designate a group of individuals with similar appearances but not necessarily identical genotypes
phloem
The phloem, together with the xylem, makes up the main translocation route of the plant.
The phloem is composed mainly of large diameter, thin-walled cells lined up end to end. The ends of each cell has a sievelike plate called a sieve element through which the translocated material is passed.
The phloem is the principal food-conducting tissue of vascular plants.
More detail can be obtained here
photomorphogenic
Changes in growth and development in response to light. These occur throughout the plant life cycle, from seed germination, and seedling de-etiolation, through vegetative architectural adaptations and flower induction, and are observable at all levels of organization, from visible phenotype (i.e. the plant form you see) to gene expression.
photoperiod
Photoperiod is an important environmental variable, which dictates flowering. Photoperiod changes throughout the year, except at the equator where it is constant. Plants are often classified with respect to their flowering response to daylength. Short-day plants (SDP) are plants, which flower after a period shorter than a particular duration known as critical daylength. Long-day plants (LDP) are plants, which flower after a period longer than a particular duration, also known as critical daylength. Some plants, however, are not affected by daylength and these are called day-neutral plants (DNP).
photoperiodism
The physiological response of an organism to the periodicity and duration of light and darkness which affects many processes including growth, flowering, and germination.
The effect of day and night length on plant flowering. Some plants are long day, requiring14 - 16 hours of sunlight per day to flower. Others are short day requiring only 8 - 9 hours. Others are day neutral and unaffected by day length.
Response of an organism to the relative duration of dark and light periods. In plants, photoperiodism may affect flower or seed development, vegetative growth, formation of bulbs and tubers, leaf shape, character and extent of branching, abscission (dropping of vegetative growth, ie, protective seed sheath) and leaf fall, root development, dormancy, and death.
photosynthesis
the process in which carbon dioxide and water are brought together chemically to form a carbohydrate, the energy for the process being radiant energy.
photosynthetic
adj. capable of photosynthesis. For example, leaves are the main photosynthetic organs on a plant.
see also photosynthesis
phototropism
a growth curvature (e.g. in the stem) in which light is the stimulus
physiological
Of or pertaining to physiology; relating to the science of the functions of living organism; as, physiological botany or chemistry.
phytophagous
Feeding on plants; herbivorous; as, a phytophagous animal.
Phytophthora
[n] destructive parasitic fungi causing brown rot in plants, e.g. Phytophthora infestans commonly attacks potato plants.
phytoseiids
Phytoseiids are mites which feed on thrips and other mite species. They are often used as a biological control agent for managing mite pests.
The majority of phytoseiid species are known
as predators of juvenile stages and adults of vari-
ous other arthropods, particularly tetranychid and
eriophyid mites.
phytotoxic
Toxic to plants
phytotoxic
Harmful to plants.
phytotoxicity
Degree to which a chemical is toxic to (injures) plants
Pilose
covered with soft, long hairs.
pistil
The collective term for the ovary, style, and stigma of a flower.
Pistil
The female reproductive organ of the flower, composed of the stigma, style, and ovary.
Pistillate
Pistil bearing; a female flower bearing pistil(s) but not stamens, as in monoecious or dioecious species
placard
Any of the following attached to the outside of vehicles, buildings, tanks or freight containers: (a) Enlarged versions of individual Class labels; (b) A black and orange striped label with either “Dangerous” or “Hazardous” written on it; (c) A HAZCHEM placard. NOTE – The Hazardous Substances (Identification) Regulations use the word signage in way that means the same as placard.
Placenta (placentation)
portion of the ovary that to which the ovules are attached. Arranged in several ways: axile, basal, free central, or parietal.
plagiogeotropism
Orientation of plant part (often stem) by growth curvature in response to gravity, i.e. stem grows to always have it's axis vertically in line with gravity.
plagiotropic
A type of growth reponse of a plant whereby the orientation of plant part (often stem) by growth curvature in response to gravity, i.e. stem grows to always have it's axis vertically in line with gravity.
plant available water
Difference between soil water content and permanent wilting point of the soil.
plant compound
Any substance, mixture of substances, or biological compound used, or intended for use, in the direct management of a plant in an agricultural context. It also includes compounds used in post-harvest pest control or disinfection of raw primary produce.
plant health product
A product other than fertilizer, which protects or enhances plant health, particularly by control of diseases, insect pests and weeds.
Pleiotropy
When two traits are controlled by one locus.
plugs
Used in the context of seedling production, a plug is a small (5-10 cm3) container in which an individual seedling is grown. Plug trays, each containing anywhere between 100-300 plugs, are placed through an automatic seeder which sows an individual seedling in each plug.
Plug seedlings transplant better than the conventional bark root seedling transplant. They can also be transplanted by robots (in the USA and Europe - NZ nurseries don't have the economies of scale to warrant such equipment investment).
plutonism
a theory whereby most geologic phenomena are attributed to the action of internal heat (rather than other factors such as water, weathering, or cold action).
Pod
see legume.
podocarp
The common name for the tree genus Podocarpus. Species are found in New Zealand, South Africa, and South America.
point of run-off
Describes the situation that occurs when the majority of the plant is thoroughly covered by spray droplets and the spray on the outside leaves begins to drip or 'run-off'. The amount of spray solution required to spray to this level of wetness is termed the 'dilute volume'.
poison
Any Deadly Poison, Dangerous Poison or Poison declared to be such under the Toxic Substances Act 1979 as listed in the First, Second and Third Schedules respectively of the Toxic Substances Regulations 1983, and Amendments.
poisons information centre
See National Poisons Information Centre.
Polar nuclei
Two of the eight nuclei contained in a mature embryo sac which form the endosperm of the seed after uniting with one generative nucleus from the pollen.
Pollen (grain)
the male gametophyte of an angiosperm or gymnosperm; tiny structure carrying haploid nuclei.
Pollen tube
An elongated, narrow, tubular structure arising from a germinated pollen grain. It grows through the style and carries the generative nuclei toward the egg sac of the ovule.
Pollen tube failure
Inability of viable pollen to grow at all, or rapidly enough in the style for the pollen tube to reach the embryo sac and release its sperm in time to effect pollination.
Pollination
transfer of pollen from the anther to the stigma.
Pollinator
an agent of pollen transfer; generally honey bees, or the wind in windpollinated species.
Pollinizer (pollenizer)
with reference to crosspollinated species; a cultivar that functions as a source of compatible pollen. Pollinizers may be planted in orchards solely for pollination, as in the case of kiwifruit or pistachio which have separate male and female plants. Alternatively, a pollinizer may have commercial value, such as ?Bing' (main cultivar) and ?Black Tartarian' sweet cherry.
polycarpic
Having many carpels, i.e. in reference to the flower of a plant comprising numerous ovary.
polyembryonic
Embryonic: meaning of or pertaining to an embryo; embryonal; rudimentary. Poly: meaning many. Hence polyembryonic relates to many embryos.
Polyembryony
two or more embryos arising from a single seed.
Polygamo
dioecious primarily dioecious, but having some perfect flowers.
Polygamo
monoecious primarily monoecious, but having some perfect flowers.
Polygamous
Having unisexual and bisexual flowers on the same plant
polygenic
[adj] (genetics) of or relating to an inheritable character that is controlled by several genes at once.
Pome
a fleshy, indehiscent fruit from an inferior, compound ovary, generally having a cartilaginous endocarp; the fleshy receptacle or hypanthium completely enclosing and fused to the pericarp. Can be considered an accessory fruit since it is largely composed of nonovarian tissue. Example apple.
Pomology
the study of fruit culture.
pool chemical
Any chemical used as an additive to swimming pool water for the purpose of disinfection or water clarification, or stabilization.
pore
a tiny hole or channel allowing passage of a liquid (fluid or gas)
Poricidal capsule
a dry, dehiscent, one to manyseeded fruit from a single, compound ovary, opening through pores or flaps.
porosity
The ratio of the volume of all the pores in a material to the volume of the whole. It can be used to quantify the openness of shelter belt or the amount of intercellular space in fruits, or the amount of air in a soilless growing medium.
potential evapotranspiration
The total potential loss of water from vegetation caused by evaporation of water at the surface of leaves.
potmums
potmums is a derivative of potted chrysanthemum. It is also known as the Florist's Chrysanthemum. Potmums are the flowering chrysanthemums grown in six inch pots and used as a short term, flowering houseplant.
pour-through
A method of testing media-pH and media EC. Distilled water is poured into the top of the pot displacing a small amount of the soil solution. The solution is then collected at the base of the pot. This method is good for rapid, non-destructive measurement in the greenhouse, and is especially good for large pots or pots that contain slow-release fertilizer prills which can break open and give false readings with the 1:2 or SME.
pour-through
In the context of soilless growing media, the pour-through technique is an established technique for preparing samples for the measurement of EC and pH.
PP
Polypropylene
ppe
Personal protective equipment (gloves, respirator, etc.).
PPE
Personal protective equipment
ppf
An abbreviation for Photosynthetic Photon Flux. At this level you need only comprehend that it is how we measure the light intensity of those wavelengths that contribute to the plant's photosynthetic process.
PPM
Parts per million
ppm
Parts per million (or mg/kg, milligrams/kilogram). A means to express amounts of chemicals in or on food, plants, animals, water, soil or air, e.g. one part per million is equivalent to 1 millimetre in 1 kilometre. PPB is parts per billion.
PPVC
Plasticized polyvinyl chloride
precipitate
A solid that emerges from a solution containing chemicals
Precocious (n. Precocity)
advanced in development; said of a species with a short period of juvenility. Flowers and bears fruit at a young age.
precocity
In horticulture, this word is usually used in relationship to fruit orchards where it means an earliness of a tree, in the context of its life span, to flower (and thus fruit).
For example, pear trees grown from seedlings will not flower until they are about 7 years old; on dwarfing rootstocks, however, they will flower within 3-4 years.
predator
An animal which attacks, feeds on and kills other animals (e.g. hawks, stoats, fish and many insects and mites).
pre-emergent
Before the crop has appeared through the soil. Usually used to specify the timing of herbicide applications.
prescription animal remedy (par)
Registered animal remedies that are only be administered by a veterinary surgeon, under the direct control of a veterinary surgeon or under and in direct accordance with the authority or prescription of a veterinary surgeon (see also veterinary consultation).
present
physically present at the application area where the pesticide is being used or handled
pressure transducer
converts pressure into an electrical signal
prime contractor
In relation to the transport of dangerous goods, the person who undertakes responsibility for the transport of those goods from one place to another, but does not include an employee or sub-contractor employed or engaged by that person for that purpose. It does include a person transporting goods owned by that person.
primed
refer 'seed priming'
Primocane
the first year's shoot that comes from the ground on brambles; vegetative in most cases, except primiocanefruiting raspberries.
primordia
primordium - an organ or part in the earliest stage of development
primordial
In reference to the stage of development at the beginning or origin of any part of an organ.
An organ, cell, or an organised series of cells in their earliest stage of differentiation would be referred to as being at a 'primoridial' stage.
see also primordium.
primordium
the beginning or origin of any part of an organ.
An organ, cell, or an organised series of cells in their earliest stage of differentiation, e.g. leaf primoridium.
private landfill
Any privately owned or operated disposal area.
product safety card
A shortened version of the SDS – describes properties and use of substance (Also called a HAZNOTE).
production tracks
Production tracks are a graphical representation of the time sequence of the ontogeny of a crop that are used for planning and scheduling purposes.
productivity
The rate at which a company produces goods or services, in relation to the amount of materials and number of staff needed.
propagule
A structure with the capacity to give rise to a new plant, e.g. a seed, a spore, or a part of the vegetative body capable of independent growth if detached from the parent.
Protandry (Protandrous)
Pollen is shed before the stigma is receptive; "complete" if all pollen is shed before stigma receptive, "incomplete" if pollen is shed prior to stigma receptivity but continues for some time after the stigma becomes receptive.
protectant
A protectant fungicide that works on the plant surface to prevent infection from occurring.
protective clothing
Any specified system, clothing or device, including respirators, worn to prevent skin contact, inhalation or ingestion of any agrichemicals.
Protogyny (Protogynous)
The stigma is receptive before pollen is shed ("Metandry").
protoplasm
living substance
provenance
origin, source, or place where found or produced as a cultivar or a selection of a particular species of plant.
Take a simple example of Hebe elliptica. It is spread throughout New Zealand. They are all share the same name and they will all be identifiable as Hebe elliptica. However, they will be different. The Hebe elliptica that develops in the warm north of the North Island will be unlikely to thrive in the cold south of the South Island, and vice versa. As the plants seed and reproduce, the process of genetic evolution results in forms of Hebe elliptica that are adapted to the soil and climatic conditions for their immediate area.
These forms have adapted to local conditions with the resulting genetic makeup of plants that we say are of local provenance.
The genetic makeup of local provenance native trees and shrubs ensures that they are better adapted to local conditions e.g.
soil conditions
temperature fluctuations
rainfall
wind speeds and frequencies
solar radiation levels
local competitive flora
local diseases and populations of grazing insect larvae.
proximal
Near to the point of origin or attachment. In contrast the opposite to proximal is distal.
Hence a branch on a tree will have a proximal end ( i.e. the end closest to where it was attached to the tree) and a distal end (i.e. the part of the branch furtherest away from where it was attached to the tree).
prune
the removal or reduction of parts of a plant, tree, or vine that are not requisite to growth or production, are no longer visually pleasing, or are injurious to the health or development of the plant. Pruning is common practice in orchard and vineyard management for the improvement of flowering and fruiting.
PS
Polystyrene
psa
Pseudomonas syringae pv actinidiae, a bacterial disease affecting kiwifruit vines.
PSC
Product Safety Card
pseudothecia
A fruiting body that releases fungal spores
Pubescent
possessing fine hairs on the surface.
pubescent
downy, covered with short, weak, dense hairs. Also used as a general term meaning hairiness of any type.
public place
Any place freely open to and frequented, or likely to be frequented, by the public.
pulp
flesh of a fruit that becomes soft and juicy with ripening
PVC
Polyvinyl chloride
PVC
Poly-vinyl-chloride, is a hard plastic type material used in plumbing.
Pyrene
the hard pit of a stone fruit; bony endocarp. Also termed ossiculus.
Pyriform
pearshaped.
pythium
A fungus that can cause root rot and subsequent plant death.
Pyxis
see circumscissile capsule
quarantine
Regulatory control against the introduction and dissemination of plant and animal pests (animals, insects, weeds and disease-causing organisms) into new areas. Involves inspection, treatment and destruction of contaminated materials/plants/animals or their parts.
Quiescence
a dormant condition brought on by unfavorable environmental conditions, not internal factors
quiesent
see quiescence
radiant flux
the rate of flow of radiant energy (electromagnetic waves)
radiant heat
Radiant heat is more commonly known as thermal radiation. It is electromagnetic radiation emitted from the surface of an object which is due to the object's temperature. An example of thermal radiation is the infrared radiation emitted by a common household radiator or electric heater. Another example is when a person near a raging bonfire feels the radiated heat of the fire, even if the surrounding air is very cold. source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radiant_heat
radiation
In physics, radiation describes any process in which energy emitted by one body travels through a medium or through space, ultimately to be absorbed by another body. Thermal radiation is the process by which the surface of an object radiates its thermal energy in the form of electromagnetic waves. Infrared radiation from a common household radiator or electric heater is an example of thermal radiation, as is the light emitted by a glowing incandescent light bulb.
radiation frost
A frost driven by principally radiative heat loss from a site.
radioactive
Emitting energy waves and / or ionising particles due to unstable, decaying atomic nuclei.
rain
Water falling to earth in drops larger than 0.5 mm that have been condensed from the moisture in the atmosphere; the falling of such drops.
ramification
The process of branching, or the development or offshoots from a stem; also, the mode of their arrangement.
RAPID
Rural Address Property Identification number
rate of application
The amount of agrichemical applied to a plant, animal, unit area or surface.
reassessment
An approved hazardous substance may be reassessed if there are verifiable grounds showing that the associated risks and/or benefits need reviewing. Criteria for grounds include: (a) significant new information about risks, (b) availability of another substance with similar or improved benefits and reduced risks, and (c) a significant change in the quantity being used, or the way it is used.
recalcitrant
an adjective to refer to being marked by stubborn resistance to ... (authority in reference to people) ...(with respect to plants; ... stubborn resistance to e.g. a treatment that might normally be expected to result in change, e.g. germination or growth).
receptacle
The part of the flower stalk that bears the floral organs.
Receptacle
the base of the flower; point of attachment of other flower parts.
Re-entry
The period from applicaiton until it is safe to re-enter the treated area without PPE.
Re-entry periods are often defined in relation to either contact or non-contact periods.
Sometimes called re-entry interval or REI
reference evapotranspiration
Evapotranspiration from a reference surface. The reference surface is a hypothetical grass reference crop with an assumed crop height of 0.12 m, a fixed surface resistance of 70 s m-1 and an albedo of 0.23. The reference surface closely resembles an extensive surface of green, well-watered grass of uniform height, actively growing and completely shading the ground. The fixed surface resistance of 70 s m-1 implies a moderately dry soil surface resulting from about a weekly irrigation frequency (source: Allen et al., 1998 available at: http://www.fao.org/docrep/X0490E/x0490e05.htm).
Refractometer
device for measuring the soluble solids (sugar) content of fruit juice.
registered chemical applicator
Any person who is, for the time being, recognized as a registered agrichemical applicator in accordance with the scheme of registration conducted by the New Zealand Agrichemical Education Trust.
regulations
Extra information on a law and how it relates to an individual
reinforcement
Addition of chemical only to a dip wash.
rep
replicate (a planned observation in an experiment)
replant disease
Often referred to as "specific replant disease" or "sick soil syndrome" wherein the first year of replanting a crop in the same soil, the new plants grow poorly. Typical symptoms include weak root systems and plants may fail to establish properly. Unlike other plant diseases, no specific disease-causing organism has been identified.
replenishment
Addition of both chemical and water to the dip wash at the initial concentration, or higher, as recommended on the label.
residue
The active ingredient or its breakdown product(s) which remains in or on the target or species immediately following treatment.
residues
the amount of chemical remaining per unit weight of plant tissue
resistance
A genetic change from being sensitive to being resistant, which is passed on to successive generations. It is not a change in the host or the agrichemical.
respiration
a chemical oxidation controlled and catalyzed by enzymes which in living protoplasm break down carbohydrate and fats, thus releasing energy to be used by the organism in doing work.
respirator
Any device that provides protection against the inhalation of any agrichemical by the process of supplied air or the filtering of air.
retail outlet
An area at premises where agrichemicals are displayed for sale to users and the general public. The term includes any area where agrichemicals are received and stored at premises prior to being displayed for sale.
retailer
Generally taken to mean point of sale of agrichemicals particularly garden centres. For the purposes of this Standard, these are collectively called suppliers.
rhizodermis
Primary surface layer of the root. Use of the term implies that this layer is not homologous with the epidermis of the shoot.
rhizome
An elongated, underground horizontal stem (cf. stolon which is a stem that grows horizontally along the ground surface).
risk
The risk from a substance is the likelihood that it will result in harm to people or the environment, in the actual circumstances of use. Risk equals hazard multiplied by exposure.
RMA
Resource Management Act
roaring forties
The Roaring Forties is a name given to the latitudes between 40°S and 50°S because of their strong westerly winds. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roaring_Forties
root
Root circling. Describes the growth of the main roots of a plant in a circular direction around the main stem. Found in a pot-bound plant or in the field where the planting method or soil physical characteristics caused the roots to grow around, rather than outwards from the trunk.
root hairs
Hairlike outgrowths of roots that absorb water and minerals from the soil. Greatly increasing surface area of the root system, they are found near root tips. They are short lived, constantly dying off and being replaced by new ones as the roots grow further into the soil.
root zone
The entire zone where roots are growing beneath the plant.
Rootstock (stock, understock)
the root system, the bottom part of a grafted tree
RPD
Respiratory protective device
runoff
Surface runoff is a term used to describe when soil is infiltrated to full capacity and excess water, from rain, snowmelt, or other sources flows over the land. This is a major component of the water cycle.
Spray runoff refers to spray application until the spray drips off the foliage onto the ground
run-off
The movement of water and associated materials on the soil surface.
safe zone for water status
Water status of the soil at which both hydration and aeration needs of the crop plant roots are met.
safety data sheet (sds)
A document that describes the properties and uses of a substance, that is, identity, chemical and physical properties, health hazard information, precautions for use and safe handling information.
salinity
Salinity relates to concentrations of dissolved salts (e.g. those from fertilisers) that exist at concentrations in water that can harm plants.
Salinity is a continuum as a low level of salinity from plant nutrients is essential to plant growth. But as salinity rises (i.e. the concentration of salts in the water increases), plant growth suffers.
salvage packaging
Packaging into which damaged, defective or leaking packages, or dangerous goods that have spilled or leaked, are placed for the purpose of transport for recovery or disposal
Samara
A dry, indehiscent, winged fruit derived from a single ovary.
sand particle
coarse sand particles range from 0.2 to 2.0 mm in diameter; fine sands from 0.02 to 0.2 mm
sanitary landfill
Any refuse treatment site, landfill site, recycling facility, or refuse transfer station the operation of which is under the control of any Central, Regional or Local Government and has authorized leachate management and disposal.
Saturated Medium Extract
SME: A method of testing media-pH and media EC. A small sample of soil is removed from the pot and enough water is added to the soil sample to saturate air spaces. This is generally the most consistent method but also takes slightly more time to prepare. This method is used by commercial labs.
Scaffold(s)
large, permanent, lateral limb(s) of a fruit tree which produce fruiting wood.
SCBA
Self-contained breathing apparatus
schedule heading
A heading which may be required by Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act, Part XIII, i.e. Deadly Poison, Dangerous Poison, Poison, Caution.
scheduled poison
A chemical which because of its toxicological properties, use patterns and potential hazard if misused, is classified according to the Toxic Substances Regulations 1979 and amendments.
Schizocarp
A dry, dehiscent fruit from a compound ovary; fruit splits into oneseeded segments at maturity, but carpels do not dehisce to release seeds.
scion
The scion is another name for cultivar in composite trees; for example, if the cultivar "Royal Gala" is budded onto a rootstock, the cultivar "Royal Gala" is also called the scion (or sometimes, the scion cultivar, to highlight the fact that the cultivar is budded/grafted onto a rootstock).
Scion
the aboveground portion of a plant propagated by graftage.
Scion rooting
rooting of the scion portion of the tree as a result of burying the graft union defeats purpose of using a rootstock in many cases. However, scion rooting is the objective of nurseroot grafting, where a "temporary" rootstock is used to nourish the scion until scion rooting takes place.
scouring
localised erosion of soil by flowing water
screen temperature
The air temperature in a Stevenson screen 1.3 m above the ground
scutellum
Cotyledon of grass embryo.
SDS
Safety Data Sheet
secondary containment
A secondary containment system ensures that liquid substances can be contained if they escape from the container in which they are stored. The system must also enable recovery of a spilled substance. The system prevents hazardous liquids, or hazardous substances that may liquefy in a fire, from escalating to a point where staff at the site, the public, or the environment can be harmed.
Seed
A mature ovule. Contains the embryo, endosperm (only remnants in most dicots), and the seed coat(s).
seed priming
When applied to seed, priming could be defined as controlling the hydration level within seeds so that the metabolic activity necessary for germination can occur but radicle emergence is prevented.
seedling
young plant grown from a seed.
segregation
The total physical separation, under transport or in storage, of any agrichemicals and/or other substances likely to react with, or contaminate other goods.
Self
incompatibility Condition of being relatively incapable of successful fertilization and seed production when pollinated with its own pollen. Not the same as selfsterile; some seed (and thus fruit) will be set in most selfincompatible species when selfpollinated.
Self
pollination Pollen transfer from the anther to the stigma within the same flower or plant genotype.
Self
sterile Lacking either pollen or eggs which are viable; cannot produce any viable seed when selfpollinated. Contrast selfincompatible.
Self
unfruitful Incapable of setting commercial crops of fruit when selfpollinated.
senesced
see senescence
senescence
those processes that follow physiological maturity or horticultural maturity and lead to death of tissue.
For example, the death of leaves from deciduous trees is senescence.
senescent
see senescence
sensitive area
Areas that have an identified risk profile near an agrichemical application site.See Appendix G for examples, also local authority air quality plans.
sepal
A unit of the calyx
Sepal
One unit of the calyx. A unit of the outermost whorl of appendages in a flower.
separation
The isolation of dangerous goods stores from protected places, public places, boundaries or other dangerous goods stores.
Septicidal capsule
a dry, dehiscent, one to manyseeded fruit from a single, compound ovary, opening through the septa.
Septum (pl. septa)
the partition separating the locules of a compound ovary.
Serious harm
Serious harm, means death, or harm that can be described as: permanent loss of bodily function, or temporary severe loss of bodily function, amputation, burns requiring specialist treatment, loss of consciousness from lack of oxygen, loss of consciousness, or acute illness requiring treatment by a registered medical practitioner, from absorption, inhalation, or ingestion, of any substance, or any harm that causes the person harmed to be hospitalised for a period of 48 hours or more commencing within 7 days of the harm&;rsquo;s occurrence.
Serious harm (can be an illness or injury) means death, or harm that can be described as amputation, fractures or serious burns; or harm that occurs when someone is repeatedly exposed to a hazard, or exposed to high-levels of a hazard, such as noise or chemical exposure; or harm that isn't detectable until a long time after exposure, such as asbestosis.
sessile
Refers to a leaf lacking a petiole or a flower or a fruit lacking a pedicel.
Sessile
a leaf, flower or fruit attached directly to the plant with no stalk or stem.
shelf life
Period for which a product will remain saleable
short
When used in context of horticultural plants, short day plants are those in which flowering is promoted when the duration of the daily period of darkness is longer than the critical night length for that plant.
shortwave radiation
Shortwave radiation is radiant energy with wavelengths in the visible, near-ultraviolet, and near-infrared spectra
Shrub
severalstemmed woody plant; renewal growth from the base or crown.
signage
Signs or posters displayed inside a facility that: (a) State hazardous substances are present; (b) State the general type of hazard of each substance; (c) Describe the general type of classification of each substance. Depending on the substance a sign may need to satisfy requirements for legibility and ease of understanding (Hazardous Substances (Identification) Regulations).
Significant hazard
a hazard that is an actual or potential cause or source of (a) Serious harm; or (b) Harm (being harm that is more than trivial) the severity of whose effects on any person depend (entirely or among other things) on the extent or frequency of the person’s exposure to the hazard; or (c) Harm that does not usually occur, or usually is not easily detectable, until a significant time after exposure to the hazard.
significant hazard
A significant hazard is one where there is the possibility of serious harm to a person.
Silicle
A dry, dehiscent fruit from a 2carpellate ovary, less than twice as long as wide, the carpels separated by a thin, translucent septum (replum). Common in the Brassicaceae.
Silique
A dry, dehiscent fruit from a 2carpellate ovary, more than twice as long as wide, the carpels separated by a thin, translucent septum (replum). Common in the Brassicaceae.
silt particle
silt particles range from 0.002 to 0.02 mm in diameter
silviculture
The branch of forestry (excuse the pun!) that is concerned with the cultivation of trees.
sink
With regard to the dry weight gain of a particular part of the plant, a sink is a net importer of carbohydrate, that is, a sink imports more carbohydrate than it exports. This carbohydrate may be used for structural growth, or it may be stored.
SME
Saturated Medium Extract:
A method of testing media-pH and media EC. A small sample of soil is removed from the pot and enough water is added to the soil sample to saturate air spaces. This is generally the most consistent method but also takes slightly more time to prepare. This method is used by commercial labs.
soil moisture deficit
the amount of water which must be added to the soil to restore it to field capacity
solar radiation
Solar radiation is the full spectrum of electromagnetic radiation from the sun that, in broad terms, we think of as sunlight. It includes visible light, infrared and ultraviolet light and x-rays. Our eyes are only responsive to a portion of this spectrum.
soluble solids
Of any solution, are defined as the portion of the total solids which are dissolved in the water and pass through a filter. This may refer to waste water, rivers, or the juice of fruit.
In horticulture we typically talk interchangeably about soluble solids and Degrees Brix (a unit measure). A Degree Brix is defined as soluble solids per 100g of juice, and is a measure of all soluble solids including pigments, acids, glycerol
and sugar.
Generally, the fermentable sugar content of grape juice is between
90 and 95% of the total soluble solids, so in many fruits like grapes there is typically a very strong relationship between soluble solids and sugar content.
solution
Mixture of one or more substances in another substance (usually a liquid) in which all the ingredients are completely dissolved (e.g. sugar in water). Cannot be separated by mechanical means; transparent, but may be coloured; nonabrasive.
solvent
A liquid (such as water, oil, xylene or alcohol) which will dissolve another substance (solid, liquid or gas) to form a solution.
SOM
soil organic matter
SOM
soil organic matter
spatulate
spoon-shaped; gradual narrowing downward from a rounded apex (usually used in the context of describing leaf shape)
species
a class of individuals usually interbreeding freely and having many characteristics in common.
Sport
a mutant strain of a cultivar (see strain).
spot treatment
Application to small areas.
spray plan
A description of an area to be sprayed, including information that adequately describes the agrichemical application and the methods used to minimise the hazards associated with any off-target spray drift. See NZS8409(2004) Appendix M4.
spray retention
the amount of spray liquid retained on target leaves, fruit and/or wood, usually expressed as a percentage of the spray volume applied to a block
sprayer/application equipment
Any mechanical equipment that can be used for the application of agrichemicals. Sprayers include equipment such as boom, strip and airblast,knapsack and pressure sprayers, fixed and rotary wing aircraft applicators, dusters, granule applicators, aerosols, and wick wiper/roller applicators.
Spur
a short, slowgrowing, lateral branch generally bearing flower buds
Stamen
The male reproductive organ of a flower; composed of the filament (stalk) and the anther (apical portion).
Staminate
said of a flower or plant which produces only male reproductive structures.
standing substrate
standing out substrate is the substrate on which containerised plants are stood. In most tree and shrub nurseries the substrate is coarse gravel (unfortunately!); houseplant and seedling nurseries in protected environments use a capillary mat.
starch
complex carbohydrate found in plant tissues like fruits, tubers and seeds
Stenospermocarpy
Seedless fruit development as a result of fertilization followed by seed abortion.
stent
Literally meaning a cutting graft. In other words the simultaneous creation of a cutting (often a rootstock cultivar) and a graft on top of that cutting (often a desireable piece of scion wood). The process of forming roots on the cutting and formation of the graft union occurs simultaneously, saving growers valuable time in establishing a crop.
stenting
the active process of forming a stent...see STENT....
Stevenson screen
A Stevenson screen (designed by Thomas Stevenson, father of author Robert Louis Stevenson) shields meteorological instruments from rain and direct sunlight while still allowing air to circulate freely. Standard height for thermometers is 1.3 m. Traditionally, a square, double-louvre wooden box, it is possible to use other materials and shapes.
Stigma (stigmatic surface)
The terminal portion of the style, often swollen, flatten, domed, or otherwise conspicuous. Functions in catching pollen and allowing for its germination.
stigmaeid
Stigmaeids are predatory mites which feed on a variety of prey, including European red mite, twospotted spider mite and other mites, such as rust mites and tydeids. They have a characteristic diamond-shaped body.
Stion
a tree propagated by graftage; STock + scION. Shorthand designation: scion/stock; i.e., 'Granny Smith'/M.9 designates a stion composed of the scion cultivar 'Granny Smith' on M.9 rootstock. 'Granny Smith'/M.9/MM.111 designates a stion composed of the scion cultivar 'Granny Smith' with an M.9 interstock and MM.111 rootstock.
Stipules
a pair of generally inconspicuous appendages at the base of the petiole.
Stock
short for rootstock.
stolon
Horizontally growing stem that roots at the nodes, e.g. strawberry runner.
Stolon
a runner or horizontal, creeping stem that roots at the node or tip, producing a new plant.
stomata
The pore openings underneath plant leaves that can open and close according to the metabolic needs of the plant. They are the ports for exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide gas for photosynthesis, but also release excess water into the air. This process of water loss maintains a steady flow of water and minerals from the roots to the leaves. To minimize the water loss, many plants regulate the duration and time of day when stomatas are open.
stomates
A word used less frequently in current literature for the word [*stomata*], i.e. the pores in the epidermis of plants through which gaseous exchange takes place.
stoolbed
An aggregation of closely spaced stumps, or stools, managed for the production of one-year-old vegetative sprouts (whips). Harvested whips are used for planting stock and can be either pre-rooted (as with apple stoolbeds) or unrooted (as with willow and poplar stoolbeds).
stooling
see stoolbed
storage area
Any building or part of a building, including cabinets, used for the storage of any agrichemical whether continually or occasionally.
Strain
a subsubspecies of a plant, or a variant of a cultivar that is nearly identical, not deserving full cultivar status. Superior strains are often given cultivar names by nurserymen, however, especially if they become commercially successful.
Stratification (chilling)
exposure of seed to cool (4 to 10 C) temperatures in the presence of moisture for 30 to 180 days to break seed dormancy and induce uniform germination and seedling development.
strike
"strike" is horticultural slang for the percentage of success of a range of activities such as the percentage of cuttings in a batch that root, or buds or grafts that unite.
It is also used interchangeably with "take" - we talk of a poor bud take.
We also say "strike the cuttings" which means the cuttings are inserted into medium for rooting.
stripping
Removal of chemical from the dip or post-harvest treatment.
Style
The part of the pistil between the stigma to the ovary; often slender, elongated.
suberization
Conversion of the cell walls into cork tissue by development of suberin; -- commonly taking place in exposed tissues, as when a callus forms over a wound. Suberized cell walls are impervious to water.
subsoil
the layer of soil between the topsoil and bedrock
subsoiling
The breaking of compact subsoils, without inverting them, with a special knifelike instrument (chisel), which is pulled through the soil usually at depths of 30 to 60 cm and spacings of 60 to 150 cm. Also called chiseling.
Any treatment to non-inversively loosen soil below the topsoil with a minimum of vertical mixing of the soil. Any treatment to fracture and/or shatter soil with narrow tools below the depth of normal tillage without inversion and with a minimum mixing of the soil. This loosening is usually performed by lifting action or other displacement of soil dry enough so that shattering occurs.
subterranean
being or operating under the surface of the earth; "subterranean passages"; "a subsurface flow of water".
Sucker (suckering)
shoots arising from the rootstock adventitiously, either from roots or the trunk; undesirable usually, except when occurring on stock plants used for propagation.
sump
Any tank into which used dip drains and fresh dip is introduced, and from which dip wash is pumped to the spray nozzles of a shower dip.
supercool
Supercooling of a water solution is the process of lowering its temperature below its freezing point (0°C for pure water) without ice formation. Pure water below 0°C will crystallise in the presence of a 'seed' crystal of ice (or some other nucleus around which a crystal structure can form) but, if this is not present, a water solution can remain liquid for some time even though its temperature is below freezing point. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supercooling
Superior ovary
hypogynous; (see ovary). Ovary sits above the point of attachment of other flower parts.
superphosphate
Type of fertilizer sometimes used as a source of phosphorus
supplier
A person who supplies goods by way of gift, sale, exchange, lease, hire or hire purchase; and/ or provides, grants or confers services. NOTE – (1) Refer to the Commerce Act. (2) The definition is a cut-down version from the Commerce Act: “supply” (a) In relation to goods, includes supply (or resupply) by way of gift, sale, exchange, lease, hire, or hire purchase; and (b) In relation to services, includes provide, grant, or confer; and “supply’’ as a noun, “supplied’’, and “supplier’’ have corresponding meanings.
supply chain
The network created amongst different companies / parties producing, handling and/or distributing a specific product.
surfactant
Any chemical that increases the wetting, spreading or penetrability properties of agrichemicals.
suspension
A chemical mixture consisting of fine particles dispersed or floating in a liquid, usually water or oil (e.g. wettable powders in water). The particles retain identity and can be physically separated from liquid.
sustainable irrigation
Sustainable irrigation supports the ability of future generations to benefit from our land as we do, growing crops at reasonable cost and sustaining dependent communities of people and other forms of life. It is irrigation that improves the quality of human life while living within the carrying capacity of supporting eco-systems.
sustainable production
Sustainable production supports the ability of future generations to benefit from our land as we do, growing crops at reasonable cost and sustaining dependent communities of people and other forms of life. It is production that improves the quality of human life while living within the carrying capacity of supporting eco-systems.
Syconium
a fleshy fruit composed mostly of an inverted, hollow receptacle containing many individual flowers. Access to flowers is provided by a small hole or ostiole (syn. eye) at the fruit tip. Example Fig, where the true fruits are drupelets (a multiple of drupelets, or a syncarp).
symbiosis
An association between different kinds of living organisms involving benefit to all.
Syncarp
a multiple fruit composed of many fruitlets plus a fleshy inflorescence axis. Example = mulberry.
Synchronous protogyny
All of the flowers opening at the same time on the same plant or cultivar are first functionally pistillate and later become functionally staminate (Avocado)
synoptic
In general, pertaining to or affording an overall view. In meteorology, this term has become somewhat specialized in referring to the use of meteorological data obtained simultaneously over a wide area for presenting a comprehensive and nearly instantaneous picture of the state of the atmosphere. (source: http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/synoptic)
system
a set of interacting or interdependent entities forming an integrated whole (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/System)
systemic
Systemic control agents can be effective at sites other than where they are sprayed. They may enter the plant via the roots or shoots, and move through the vessels to operate at distant sites which were not directly sprayed (translocated).
systems view
The systems view is a perspective from which one can investigate and/or describe any group of objects that work together to produce some result, emphasising their interconnectedness and interdependence.
syviculture
see silviculture
target area
The physical target of the agrichemical application.
taxa
a general term for any taxonomic rank, from subspecific to divisional. plural of taxon.
See taxon
taxon
(pl. taxa) A general term for any one of teh categories (e.g. species, genus, family etc) into which living organisms are classified.
Taxonomy
the study of classification and naming of organisms.
TEL
Tolerable exposure limit
temperate
In the context of climate, temperate means geographic regions between 30 and 50' latitude having distinct seasons.
Temperate zone
geographic regions between 30 and 50' latitude having distinct seasons.
temporary storage
Any site where agrichemicals are held unattended for periods longer than 24 hours, for example during a large agrichemical application operation.
Tendril
A slender, elongated, twining organ used for climbing in vines. In grape, tendrils may have arisen from inflorescences devoid of flowers.
tensiometer
A tensiometer is a device for measuring (indirectly) the water content of a soil.
terminal bud
a bud at the end of a stem.
territorial authority
A city or district council. NOTE – Refer to section 2(1) of the Local Government Act.
test certificate
A certificate issued by a test certifier in accordance with s. 82 of the HSNO Act which certifies that a requirement specified in the HSNO regulations has been met (e.g. where the quantity of one or more of the agrichemicals in your store triggers for a Location Test Certificate, or where the agrichemical being used requires the supervision of an Approved Handler)
test certifier
A person who is authorized under the HSNO Act to issue test certificates.
Testa
the seed coat.
Thinning
partial removal of flowers or fruitlets to increase the ultimate size of the remaining fruits. Accomplished by chemicals, mechanically, or by hand.
time domain refractometry
TDR measures the soil water content by the use of a short electromagnetic pulse. The time taken for this pulse to travel through the media equates to the soil water content. Unfortunately, using the TDR is not simple.
tombolo
A tombolo is unusual among beach-related landforms: it extends outward from the shore, connecting with an island. In this example, at Goat Rock Beach in northern California, the low, sandy bar is reinforced with boulders and serves as a parking lot.
The offshore hill, or stack, bends the incoming waves around it so that their energy sweeps sand onto the tombolo from both sides. Once the stack erodes down to the waterline, the tombolo will disappear. Stacks don't last long, and that's why tombolos are uncommon.
http://geology.about.com/library/bl/images/bltombolo.htm
toponymic
from toponymy, the study of the place names of a region.
Topworking
replacement of the original scion with a different one on an established tree; due to scion injury or in order to switch to a more profitable or otherwise different cultivar.
toxic
Refers to a substance which is poisonous.
toxic substance
As defined in the Toxic Substances Act 1979 to include any Deadly Poison, Dangerous Poison, Poison or Harmful Substance, and other substances injurious to human health or the environment.
toxicity
The degree or extent to which a chemical or substance is poisonous.
track spacing
Distance between successive passes of application.
tracking
Under the Hazardous Substances (Tracking) Regulations, the location and movement of some substances must be recorded at each stage of its life-cycle, though to the point of final disposal.
trade name
The name, number or other designation of a specific product or device made by a manufacturer or formulator, often registered as a trademark.
trait
In the world of plants we would refer to it as distinguishing feature of a plant or group of plants. In the language of plant breeding it refers to one aspect of the phenotype, but this doesn't mean it is necessarily heritable.
translaminar
Movement of an agrichemical from one surface of a leaf to the other. Translaminar control agents penetrate into the plant tissue and are moved within a plant organ (eg. a leaf), but do not travel to another part of the plant.
translocation
the transfer of food materials or products of metabolism from one part of the plant to another, particularly via the phloem.
translucence
that quality of an object that makes it semi-transparent, allowing light to pass through it diffusely
transpiration
Loss of water from plants as water vapour.
transplant shock
The check to growth which occurs when a seedling/plant is transplanted from a protected environment into the field.
Tree
large woody plant, usually with a main stem or trunk. Renewal growth generally from the canopy.
trickle irrigation
Synonymous with drip irrigation - a method in which water is dripped directly into the root zone of plants.
Trioecious
bearing male, female, and perfect flowers on separate plants
triploid
An adjective used in reference to the genetics of a cell or organism, where it has three times the haploid number of chromosomes.
trisomic
a plant containing one additional chromosome
truss
A truss of tomatoes is all the attached fruit on a single inflorescence that has set fruit. If two inflorecences are produced at the same node the result is a double truss. Tomatoes are sometimes marketed "on the truss".
TSO
Transport service operator
tuber
A starchy storage organ formed by swelling of an underground stem or the distal end of a root.
Potato tubers for example form at the end of a stolon (an extension of stem tissue). In Zantedeschia the tuber results from the stem itself swelling.
turgor
Pressure within a cell
ultra low volume (ulv)
Sprays which are applied as undiluted formulation at 5 to 6 litres / ha or less.
ULV
Ultra low volume
Umbelliferous
pertaining to plants in the Umbelliferae (Apiaceae) family.
UN
United Nations
un number
The number assigned by the United Nations and used to identify (and classify) particular chemicals. Chemicals assigned UN Numbers are classed as Dangerous Goods
UN symbols
Symbols that identify hazardous substances
Understock
another term for rootstock.
UNRTDG
United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods
UPVC
Unplasticized polyvinyl chloride
user/rural user
Any person who purchases, transports, stores, applies or disposes of any agrichemical, or who causes any agrichemical to be transported, stored, applied or disposed of.
Utricle
A small, dry, oneseeded, indehiscent fruit with a thin, bladderlike wall
vaccines
Preparations of living or dead micro-organisms or their components which will, upon administration, produce protection against a disease.
vacuole
The contents of the cell excluding the protoplasm.
vacuum gauge
an instrument that measures pressures below atmospheric pressure
vapour pressure
A measure of the extent to which a substance evaporates (becomes a gas or vapour) under ambient conditions of temperature and pressure. The higher the vapour pressure, the more volatile the chemical and the easier it will evaporate.
variety
with regards to plant breeding, it is an individual or group within a species or subspecies (which are usually fertile), to which it belongs, but differing from the species type in some qualities.
Importantly it refers to those variations within species and subspecies of plants that we most commonly encounter in their natural habitat. Also that these variations/varieties will 'propagate indefinitely', i.e. are able to come true-to-type when self-crossed. The key phrases here are therefore 'in their natural habitat' and 'propagate indefinitely'.
vascular tissue
[n] tissue that conducts water and nutrients through the plant body in higher plants.
vernalization
Application of cold treatment to plants to effect flowering, i.e. change from vegetative to floral state.
The cold stimulus is perceived by the apical meristem, but the actual mechanism of vernalization is unknown. Temperatures in the region of zero to seven degrees Celsius are generally found to be more effective.
vertebrate
A vertebrate is an animal with a backbone (e.g. dogs, cats, humans, cows).
veterinary medicine
Any substance, mixture of substances, or biological compound used or intended for use in the direct management of an animal. See also animal remedy.
viability
In terms of establishing horticultural crops from seed we talk about seed viability, i.e. viable seed is alive.
vigour
A dictionary definition states 'active strength of body or mind'.
When used in a horticultural context, an appropriate interpretation is 'active strength of ..... ' where ..... refers to which ever plant or phase of plant growth is being referred to.
virtuous cycle
A condition in which a favorable circumstance or result gives rise to another that subsequently supports the first, resulting in beneficial, self-reinforcing behaviours.
virus
Ultramicroscopic parasite composed of proteins and nucleic acids. Viruses can multiply only in living tissues and cause many animal and plant diseases.
vitality
(noun) A quality of active mental and physical forcefullness.
(noun) The capacity to exert an influence.
(noun) The vital principle or animating force within living organisms.
Viticulture
the study of grape growing
viviparous
For plants it describes seeds or fruit which sprout before they fall from the parent plant.
Also can be used when referring to plants which multiply by vegetative means such as buds or bulbils in the position of flowers.
Such plants may be referred to as exhibiting viviparity.
VMD
Volume median diameter
VMD
The Volume Median Diameter or "VMD" is the droplet diameter at which half of the volume of droplets produced by the nozzle are of smaller diameters and half of the output volume is in droplets of larger diameters
volatility
The degree to which a substance changes from a liquid or solid state to a gas at ordinary temperatures when exposed to air.
Volume Median Diameter
The Volume Median Diameter or "VMD" is the droplet diameter at which half of the volume of droplets produced by the nozzle are of smaller diameters and half of the output volume is in droplets of larger diameters
volume median diameter (vmd)
The droplet diameter (in microns) such that 50 % of the spray is in droplets of smaller diameter.
volute
The volute of a centrifugal pump is the casing that receives the fluid being pumped by the impeller, slowing down the fluid's rate of flow. A volute is a curved funnel that increases in area as it approaches the discharge port.
source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volute_%28pump%29
water footprint
The water footprint is an indicator of water use that includes both direct and indirect water use of a consumer or producer (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_footprint and associated concept of 'virtual water' at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_water).
Water sprout
a vigorous, upright shoot arising from a scaffold or main tree trunk
water use efficiency
An umbrella term used for a "toolbox" of measures relating outputs to inputs in irrigation.
weather
Weather is a set of all the atmospheric phenomena at a given time. Generally, the word is used to refer to day-to-day temperature and precipitation activity. For more see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weather
web browser
A web browser is a program used to view HTML documents, principally applied to retrieving, presenting, and traversing information resources on the World Wide Web. Examples include Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari, Opera, and Google Chrome.
WES
Workplace exposure standard
wet bulb temperature
practically: the temperature read from a wet bulb thermometer
theoretically: the temperature that a volume of air would have if cooled adiabatically to saturation at constant pressure by evaporation of water into it, all latent heat being supplied by the volume of air (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wet-bulb_temperature)
wide dispersive use
This is a HSNO control trigger for the spraying of an ecotoxic agrichemical using equipment for which there is the potential for increased risk of an effect to any property from the movement of the agrichemical, in air or water, during or after spraying.
wildlife
All animals including insects and fish that are living in a wild or undomesticated state.
withholding period
The minimum time set either voluntarily, or by label or industry requirement, between completion of the last agrichemical application and the harvesting of any crop, animal or animal product for either human or animal consumption or use.
Xenia
effects of the pollen on the tissues within the seed
xylem
Xylem is the part of the vascular system that is important for the conduction of water and nutrient elements. The woody portion of a tree or shrub is xylem.
Yield efficiency
a measure of fruit production efficiency, using units of weight of fruit per unit of plant size. For example, kg fruit per cm2 of trunk crosssectional area, or kg per m3 canopy volume
Zygote
The diploid cell formed by fusion of the egg with one sperm nuclei; the progenitor of the embryo within the seed.
zygotic
An adjective meaning 'of or relating to a zygote'. A zygote is the single cell formed by the union of a sperm and an ovum or other male and female gametes.