Free Agronomy MCQ Question and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What crop of the following exhibits protandry?
- Carrot (Correct answer)
- Chili
- Tomato
- Brinjal
Correct answer: Carrot
Protandry is a condition where the male reproductive organs (anthers) mature and shed pollen before the female reproductive organs (stigmas) become receptive. This mechanism promotes cross-pollination and prevents self-pollination within the same flower. Among the given options, carrot (Daucus carota) flowers are known to exhibit protandry, where the anthers release pollen before the stigmas are ready to receive it.
Question 2: Which of the following crops can withstand draught better?
- Pigeon pea
- Green gram
- Cowpea (Correct answer)
- Blackgram
Correct answer: Cowpea
Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is renowned for its exceptional drought tolerance compared to many other pulse crops. It possesses a deep root system that allows it to access water from deeper soil layers and has physiological mechanisms to cope with water stress. This makes it a crucial crop for cultivation in arid and semi-arid regions where water availability is limited and rainfall is erratic.
Question 3: What crop has the highest likelihood of genetic variation?
- Sorghum
- Groundnut
- Rice
- Maize (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Maize
Maize (corn) exhibits a high degree of genetic variation primarily because it is an open-pollinated, cross-pollinating crop. Its reproductive system, with separate male and female flowers on the same plant (monoecious), naturally encourages outcrossing. This constant mixing of genetic material from different parent plants leads to a wide range of genetic diversity within maize populations, making it highly amenable to breeding and selection.
Question 4: Which of the following crops may be grown without irrigation?
- Soyabean
- Wheat
- Millets (Correct answer)
- Sugarcane
Correct answer: Millets
Millets, such as sorghum, pearl millet, and finger millet, are known for their resilience and ability to thrive in harsh, arid, and semi-arid conditions with minimal water. They are often referred to as 'rainfed crops' because they can be successfully grown relying solely on natural rainfall, making them ideal for regions with limited irrigation facilities. Other crops like wheat, soybean, and sugarcane typically require more consistent moisture or irrigation for optimal yields.
Question 5: What of the following crops are seedlings used to sow?
- Maize
- Wheat
- Paddy (Correct answer)
- Mustard
Correct answer: Paddy
Paddy (rice) is commonly cultivated by transplanting seedlings rather than direct seeding in many parts of the world, including India. Seeds are first sown in a nursery bed, and after a few weeks, the young seedlings are carefully uprooted and transplanted into puddled fields. This method helps ensure a uniform plant stand, better weed control, and often higher yields compared to direct sowing.
Question 6: Which of the following is grown by dry farming in India?
- Tobacco
- Cotton
- Millets (Correct answer)
- Wheat
Correct answer: Millets
Dry farming refers to agricultural techniques used in arid and semi-arid regions to grow crops with limited rainfall, without irrigation. Millets (like jowar, bajra, ragi) are staple crops in India's dryland regions due to their inherent drought tolerance and ability to produce yields even under moisture stress. Their cultivation is a cornerstone of dry farming practices, providing food security in water-scarce areas.
Question 7: Among the below, which is a commercial crop?
- Bajra
- Paddy
- Cotton (Correct answer)
- Jowar
Correct answer: Cotton
Commercial crops are those grown primarily for sale in the market rather than for direct consumption by the farmer or their family. Cotton is a prime example of a commercial crop, cultivated extensively for its fiber, which serves as a crucial raw material for the textile industry. Bajra, paddy (rice), and jowar (sorghum) are typically considered food crops, though they can also be sold commercially.
Free Agronomy MCQ Question and Answers
What crop of the following exhibits protandry?