Texas FFA Nursery Landscape Practice Exam

To increase the bushiness of a flowering plant while it is young, one should?

1. A. Pinch the stem tips of the plant

2. B. Increase the amount of water the plant receives

3. C. Apply a growth retardant

4. D. Increase the nitrogen in the soil surrounding the plant

The correct answer is: A. Pinch the stem tips of the plant

Pinching the stem tips of a flowering plant is an effective method to encourage bushiness as it promotes branching. When you pinch the tips, it removes the apical meristem, which is the growing point at the top of the stem. This action stimulates lateral buds to develop and grow, creating a fuller and denser appearance for the plant. This technique is especially beneficial in young plants because they are more responsive to such interventions, allowing them to develop a robust structure from an early age. Increasing the amount of water may improve overall plant health but does not specifically enhance bushiness. Applying a growth retardant is intended to limit growth and may hinder the plant's development rather than encourage a fuller shape. Finally, increasing nitrogen in the soil can promote overall growth but does not directly influence branching in the same effective way that pinching does.