1000 Most Important Agronomy MCQs with Explanation for ICAR JRF, NET, AFO & All Agriculture Exams
“Haryana Chana-1” is a variety of chickpea with resistance to: a) Pod borer b) Wilt and root rot c) Aphids d) Powdery mildew
Answer: b) Wilt and root rot
*Explanation: Haryana Chana-1 (HC 1) is a chickpea variety developed by CCSHAU, Hisar with resistance to wilt (Fusarium oxysporum) and root rot (Rhizoctonia solani). It has good yield potential (18-20 q/ha), matures in 130-135 days, and is suitable for Haryana and Punjab .*
“GW 496” is a wheat variety recommended for: a) Peninsular India (Zone IV) b) North Western Plains Zone (NWPZ) c) North Eastern Plains Zone (NEPZ) d) Northern Hills Zone
Answer: b) North Western Plains Zone (NWPZ)
*Explanation: GW 496 is a wheat variety developed by SDAU, Gujarat for the North Western Plains Zone (NWPZ) which includes Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, and parts of UP. It is a high-yielding, rust-resistant variety with good chapati-making quality. It matures in 135-140 days .*
“PR 126” is a high-yielding rice variety developed for: a) Basmati export b) Direct seeding conditions in Punjab c) Sodic soils d) Deep water conditions
Answer: b) Direct seeding conditions in Punjab
*Explanation: PR 126 is a rice variety developed by PAU, Ludhiana specifically for direct seeding conditions. It has good seedling vigor, competes well with weeds, matures in 120-125 days, and yields 28-30 q/ha. It saves water and labor compared to transplanted rice and is popular in Punjab where labor scarcity is acute .*
“Chandrakalpa” is a coconut hybrid developed by crossing: a) Chowghat Orange Dwarf × West Coast Tall b) Malayan Yellow Dwarf × West Coast Tall c) Chowghat Orange Dwarf × Malayan Yellow Dwarf d) West Coast Tall × Laccadive Ordinary
Answer: a) Chowghat Orange Dwarf × West Coast Tall
*Explanation: Chandrakalpa (COD × WCT) is a coconut hybrid developed by CPCRI, Kasaragod by crossing Chowghat Orange Dwarf (COD) and West Coast Tall (WCT). It is a tall hybrid, early bearing (4-5 years), yields 100-120 nuts per palm per year, with good oil content (68-70%) and copra quality .*
“H 97” is a variety of: a) Sweet potato b) Tapioca (Cassava) c) Yam d) Elephant foot yam
Answer: b) Tapioca (Cassava)
*Explanation: H 97 is a popular tapioca (cassava) variety developed for Tamil Nadu conditions. It has high starch content (30-32%), good yield (30-35 t/ha), and resistance to mosaic disease. It matures in 8-10 months and is suitable for both table purpose and industrial use (starch, sago production) .*
The “CR 1009” (Subhadra) is a popular rice variety of which duration? a) 100-110 days b) 120-125 days c) 145-150 days d) 160-165 days
Answer: c) 145-150 days
*Explanation: CR 1009 (Subhadra) is a long-duration rice variety (145-150 days) developed by CRRI, Cuttack. It is popular in Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, and Chhattisgarh. It yields 45-50 q/ha and has good grain quality. However, its long duration means it cannot be followed by a wheat crop in rotation .*
“HD 2967” is a high-yielding wheat variety developed by: a) PAU, Ludhiana b) IARI, New Delhi c) CCSHAU, Hisar d) GB Pant University
Answer: b) IARI, New Delhi
*Explanation: HD 2967 is a high-yielding wheat variety developed by IARI, New Delhi. It is suitable for the North Western Plains Zone (NWPZ) and North Eastern Plains Zone (NEPZ). It has good rust resistance, matures in 135-140 days, and yields 50-55 q/ha. It became one of India’s most widely grown wheat varieties .*
“NRCHB 101” is a hybrid of: a) Indian mustard b) Gobhi sarson c) Taramira d) Brown sarson
Answer: a) Indian mustard
*Explanation: NRCHB 101 is a hybrid of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) developed by NRCRM, Bharatpur. It is the first hybrid released in mustard, with yield potential of 25-30 q/ha (30-40% higher than varieties). It has high oil content (40-42%) and is suitable for Rajasthan, Haryana, and UP .*
“JS 97-52” is a soybean variety with resistance to: a) Yellow Mosaic Virus b) Powdery mildew c) Leaf spot d) Rust
Answer: a) Yellow Mosaic Virus
*Explanation: JS 97-52 is a soybean variety developed by JNKVV, Jabalpur with resistance to Yellow Mosaic Virus (YMV), a major disease in soybean. It is suitable for Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, matures in 95-100 days, yields 25-30 q/ha, and has 18-19% oil content .*
“HHB 197” is a pearl millet hybrid developed by: a) CCSHAU, Hisar b) PAU, Ludhiana c) MPUAT, Udaipur d) JAU, Junagadh
Answer: a) CCSHAU, Hisar
*Explanation: HHB 197 is a pearl millet hybrid developed by CCSHAU, Hisar in collaboration with ICRISAT. It is resistant to downy mildew, matures in 70-75 days, and yields 25-30 q/ha under rainfed conditions. It is popular in Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat .*
“G Cot Hy 12” is a cotton hybrid developed for: a) North India b) Central India (Gujarat, Maharashtra) c) South India d) Eastern India
Answer: b) Central India (Gujarat, Maharashtra)
*Explanation: G Cot Hy 12 (GCH 12) is a cotton hybrid developed by Gujarat Agricultural University for central India. It is suitable for rainfed conditions, has medium staple length, good boll weight, and yields 8-10 q/ha of kapas. It has tolerance to jassids and bollworms .*
“GPU 28” is a high-yielding variety of finger millet (ragi) developed by: a) UAS, Bangalore b) TNAU, Coimbatore c) ANGRAU, Hyderabad d) IGKV, Raipur
Answer: a) UAS, Bangalore
*Explanation: GPU 28 is a high-yielding finger millet (ragi) variety developed by University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore. It has good drought tolerance, matures in 110-115 days, yields 35-40 q/ha, and has good grain quality. It is suitable for Karnataka and Tamil Nadu .*
“VRI 2” is a groundnut variety developed by which university? a) TNAU, Coimbatore b) ANGRAU, Hyderabad c) UAS, Dharwad d) JAU, Junagadh
Answer: a) TNAU, Coimbatore
*Explanation: VRI 2 is a groundnut variety developed by Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) at Vridhachalam. It is a bunch-type variety, matures in 105-110 days, yields 20-25 q/ha, and has oil content of 48-50%. It is suitable for Tamil Nadu conditions .*
“IET 4786” (Shatabdi) is a rice variety developed for: a) Irrigated areas b) Rainfed shallow lowlands c) Deep water conditions d) Saline soils
Answer: b) Rainfed shallow lowlands
*Explanation: IET 4786 (Shatabdi) is a rice variety developed for rainfed shallow lowland conditions of eastern India (West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Assam). It has good tolerance to submergence, matures in 145-150 days, and yields 35-40 q/ha. It was released during the centenary year of CRRI .*
Napier grass cannot withstand which of the following conditions? a) Waterlogging b) Saline soils c) Frost d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: Napier grass is sensitive to waterlogging (roots rot), saline soils (poor growth), and frost (damage to foliage). It grows best in well-drained, fertile loamy soils with adequate moisture but not waterlogging .
The best soil type for Napier grass cultivation is: a) Heavy clay soil b) Sandy soil c) Loamy soil d) Saline soil
Answer: c) Loamy soil
Explanation: Napier grass performs best in well-drained loamy soils with good organic matter content. It requires adequate moisture but cannot tolerate waterlogging. Heavy clay soils with poor drainage lead to root rot .
Fodder Oats (Avena sativa) is an example of: a) Perennial cereal fodder b) Annual cereal fodder c) Perennial legume fodder d) Annual legume fodder
Answer: b) Annual cereal fodder
Explanation: Oats (Avena sativa) is an annual cereal fodder crop grown during the Rabi season. It provides nutritious green fodder during winter months (December-March) when other fodders may be scarce. It belongs to the grass family Poaceae .
The most important cultivated species of Oat is: a) Avena byzantina b) Avena sativa c) Avena abyssinica d) Avena sterilis
Answer: b) Avena sativa
Explanation: Avena sativa (common oat) is the most important cultivated species for fodder and grain purposes worldwide. It is widely grown in temperate and subtropical regions. Other species like Avena byzantina are also cultivated but to a lesser extent .
The seed rate required for fodder Oats per hectare is: a) 15-20 kg/ha b) 30-40 kg/ha c) 50-60 kg/ha d) 80-100 kg/ha
Answer: d) 80-100 kg/ha
*Explanation: For fodder production, oats are sown at a higher seed rate (80-100 kg/ha) compared to grain production (60-80 kg/ha). Higher seed rate ensures dense stand, more tillers, and higher green fodder yield .*
The optimum stage for harvesting Oats for fodder is: a) Seedling stage b) Boot stage c) Dough stage d) Maturity stage
Answer: c) Dough stage
Explanation: Oats for fodder should be harvested at the dough stage when the grain starch is changing from soft to hard consistency. At this stage, the crop has maximum biomass with good quality (protein content and digestibility). Harvesting earlier reduces yield, while later harvesting increases fiber content .
The fresh yield of Oat fodder per hectare is approximately: a) 100-150 q/ha b) 200-250 q/ha c) 350-400 q/ha d) 500-600 q/ha
Answer: c) 350-400 q/ha
*Explanation: Under good management, fodder oats yield 350-400 quintals per hectare (35-40 tonnes/ha). With improved varieties and optimal conditions, yields can reach 550-600 q/ha. This is lower than perennial grasses like Napier but higher than many legume fodders .*
Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) as a fodder crop is valued for its: a) High biomass only b) High protein content and quick growth c) Perennial nature d) Tolerance to waterlogging
Answer: b) High protein content and quick growth
*Explanation: Cowpea is a quick-growing annual legume fodder that provides the first cut within 45-50 days of sowing. It has high protein content (18-20%), excellent palatability, and fixes atmospheric nitrogen. It is often intercropped with cereal fodders like sorghum or maize to improve overall fodder quality .*
“Fodder maize may be intercropped with:” a) Lucerne b) Berseem c) Fodder cowpea d) Oats
Answer: c) Fodder cowpea
Explanation: Fodder maize (cereal) is often intercropped with cowpea (legume) in ratios like 2:1 or 3:1. This combination provides higher total yield, better quality fodder (cereal for energy, legume for protein), and utilizes resources efficiently. The legume also fixes nitrogen benefiting the cereal .
Clusterbean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) is used as: a) Fodder only b) Feed only c) Vegetable only d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
*Explanation: Clusterbean (Guar) is a multipurpose crop. It is used as: (1) Green fodder for livestock, (2) Feed (guar meal is protein-rich cattle feed after gum extraction), and (3) Vegetable (tender pods are consumed). It is also a green manure crop and the gum has industrial applications .*
The right stage for harvesting fodder clusterbean is: a) Vegetative stage b) Flowering stage c) Early pod stage d) Maturity stage
Answer: c) Early pod stage
Explanation: Fodder clusterbean should be harvested at early pod stage for optimum quality. At this stage, it has maximum protein content and digestibility. Harvesting too early reduces yield, while delayed harvesting increases fiber and reduces palatability .
“Para grass” is a fodder grass that tolerates: a) Drought b) Waterlogged conditions c) Saline soils d) Shade
Answer: b) Waterlogged conditions
Explanation: Para grass (Brachiaria mutica) is highly tolerant of waterlogging and grows well in low-lying, marshy areas. It is a perennial grass propagated through stem cuttings and provides good quality fodder during rainy season when other crops suffer from waterlogging. In contrast, Guinea grass tolerates shade, while Napier cannot withstand waterlogging .
“Guinea grass” is a fodder grass that tolerates: a) Waterlogging b) Salinity c) Shade d) Frost
Answer: c) Shade
Explanation: Guinea grass (Panicum maximum) is a perennial grass that tolerates shade, making it suitable for intercropping with trees or in agroforestry systems. It is a high-yielding, palatable grass widely grown in tropical and subtropical regions .
The toxic substance present in Subabul (Leucaena leucocephala) is: a) HCN (Hydrocyanic acid) b) Mimosine c) Oxalic acid d) Tannic acid
Answer: b) Mimosine
Explanation: Subabul (Leucaena leucocephala) contains a toxic amino acid called mimosine, which can cause hair loss, goiter, and reduced livestock performance if fed in large quantities. However, ruminants adapted to subabul develop rumen bacteria that degrade mimosine. It should be introduced gradually in animal diets .
“Ramblei” and “NDRI selection 1” and “Moopa” are varieties of: a) Oat b) Berseem c) Lucerne d) Guar
Answer: c) Lucerne
Explanation: Ramblei (from Australia), NDRI selection 1 (from National Dairy Research Institute), and Moopa are all varieties of Lucerne (alfalfa). These varieties are selected for adaptation to Indian conditions, high yield, and good quality .
Teosinte is a fodder crop closely related to: a) Sorghum b) Maize c) Bajra d) Oats
Answer: b) Maize
Explanation: Teosinte (Zea mays subsp. mexicana) is a wild relative of maize and is cultivated as a fodder crop in some parts of India. It resembles maize in growth habit but produces more tillers and leafy biomass. It is known locally as “Makai Chari” in some regions .
The scientific name of Bajra (Pearl millet) used in Hybrid Napier parentage is: a) Pennisetum purpureum b) Pennisetum typhoides (glaucum) c) Sorghum bicolor d) Zea mays
Answer: b) Pennisetum typhoides (glaucum)
Explanation: Bajra (Pearl millet) is scientifically known as Pennisetum glaucum (formerly Pennisetum typhoides). It is one parent of Hybrid Napier (the other being Pennisetum purpureum). This interspecific hybrid combines the perennial nature of Napier with the quality of bajra .
The protein content in leguminous fodders (Lucerne, Berseem) on dry weight basis is approximately: a) 8-10% b) 12-14% c) 15-20% d) 25-30%
Answer: c) 15-20%
*Explanation: Leguminous fodders like Lucerne, Berseem, and Cowpea contain 15-20% crude protein on dry weight basis. This is nearly double that of cereal fodders (sorghum, maize, oats) which have 8-12% protein. This high protein content makes legumes essential for balancing livestock rations .*
Green manuring is the practice of: a) Applying chemical fertilizers b) Growing and incorporating green plants into soil to improve fertility c) Adding compost to soil d) Mulching with dry leaves
Answer: b) Growing and incorporating green plants into soil to improve fertility
Explanation: Green manuring involves growing specific crops (usually legumes) and incorporating them into the soil while still green. This adds organic matter, fixes atmospheric nitrogen (if legumes), and improves soil structure, fertility, and biological activity .
Growing green manure crops and incorporating them in the same field is known as: a) Ex-situ green manuring b) In-situ green manuring c) Green leaf manuring d) Composting
Answer: b) In-situ green manuring
Explanation: In-situ green manuring means growing the green manure crop in the same field where it will be incorporated. Examples include sunhemp, dhaincha, and sesbania grown and plowed into the same field. This is the most common practice .
Collecting green leaves from outside and incorporating into the field is called: a) In-situ green manuring b) Ex-situ green manuring (Green leaf manuring) c) Composting d) Mulching
Answer: b) Ex-situ green manuring (Green leaf manuring)
Explanation: Ex-situ green manuring or green leaf manuring involves collecting green leaves and twigs from plants grown elsewhere (forests, wastelands, field boundaries) and incorporating them into the field. This is practiced where growing a dedicated green manure crop is not feasible .
Sunhemp (Crotalaria juncea) is a popular green manure crop because it: a) Fixes atmospheric nitrogen b) Produces high biomass quickly c) Improves soil structure d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
*Explanation: Sunhemp is an excellent green manure crop because: (1) It fixes 80-100 kg N/ha in 45-60 days, (2) Produces 20-25 tonnes/ha green biomass quickly, (3) Its deep root system improves soil structure, (4) It suppresses weeds, and (5) It adds organic matter to soil .*
The scientific name of Sunhemp is: a) Crotalaria juncea b) Sesbania aculeata c) Sesbania rostrata d) Cyamopsis tetragonoloba
Answer: a) Crotalaria juncea
Explanation: Sunhemp, one of the most important green manure crops in India, belongs to the family Fabaceae and its scientific name is Crotalaria juncea. It is a quick-growing, tall annual legume widely used for in-situ green manuring .
Dhaincha (Sesbania aculeata) is preferred as green manure in: a) Sandy soils b) Heavy soils and wet areas c) Saline soils d) Hill slopes
Answer: b) Heavy soils and wet areas
Explanation: Dhaincha (Sesbania aculeata) is well-adapted to heavy soils and wet areas, including waterlogged conditions. It grows well in rice fields before paddy transplantation and can tolerate temporary flooding. It produces high biomass and fixes significant nitrogen .
The scientific name of Dhaincha is: a) Crotalaria juncea b) Sesbania aculeata (Sesbania bispinosa) c) Sesbania rostrata d) Vigna unguiculata
Answer: b) Sesbania aculeata (Sesbania bispinosa)
*Explanation: Dhaincha is scientifically known as Sesbania aculeata or Sesbania bispinosa. It belongs to the family Fabaceae and is one of the most popular green manure crops in India, especially for rice fields. It can accumulate 80-100 kg N/ha in 45-50 days .*
Sesbania rostrata is unique among green manure crops because it: a) Has the highest biomass production b) Forms nodules on both roots and stems c) Grows only in saline soils d) Is a perennial crop
Answer: b) Forms nodules on both roots and stems
Explanation: Sesbania rostrata is a unique green manure legume that forms nitrogen-fixing nodules on both roots AND stems. This stem nodulation allows it to fix nitrogen even in waterlogged conditions where root nodulation may be inhibited. It is highly effective for rice fields .
The approximate nitrogen contribution of a good green manure crop like sunhemp or dhaincha is: a) 20-30 kg N/ha b) 40-50 kg N/ha c) 60-80 kg N/ha d) 80-100 kg N/ha
Answer: d) 80-100 kg N/ha
*Explanation: A well-grown green manure crop like sunhemp (Crotalaria juncea) or dhaincha (Sesbania aculeata) can fix and accumulate 80-100 kg of nitrogen per hectare in 45-60 days of growth. This is equivalent to about 170-220 kg of urea, significantly reducing fertilizer requirement .*
The ideal stage for incorporating green manure crops into soil is: a) Seedling stage b) Pre-flowering to flowering stage c) Pod formation stage d) Maturity stage
Answer: b) Pre-flowering to flowering stage
*Explanation: Green manure crops should be incorporated at the pre-flowering to flowering stage (45-60 days after sowing). At this stage, they have maximum nitrogen content, biomass is still succulent and decomposes quickly, and the C:N ratio is favorable (around 20-30:1). Delaying incorporation leads to lignification and slower decomposition .*
The advantages of green manuring include: a) Maintains soil organic matter b) Provides nitrogen through biological fixation c) Improves soil structure and water holding capacity d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: Green manuring provides multiple benefits: (1) Adds organic matter to soil, (2) Fixes atmospheric nitrogen (legumes), (3) Improves soil structure, aeration, and water holding capacity, (4) Mobilizes insoluble nutrients, (5) Suppresses weeds, and (6) Reduces soil erosion .
Pillipesara (Phaseolus trilobus) is a: a) Cereal fodder crop b) Green manure crop c) Oilseed crop d) Fiber crop
Answer: b) Green manure crop
Explanation: Pillipesara (Phaseolus trilobus) is a leguminous green manure crop grown in some parts of India, particularly for rice fields. It is a quick-growing, trailing annual that fixes atmospheric nitrogen and adds organic matter to soil .
The most common use of Dhaincha (Sesbania bispinosa) is: a) Green petrol production b) Green manure c) Medicine d) Ornamental plant
Answer: b) Green manure
Explanation: Dhaincha (Sesbania bispinosa) is primarily grown as a green manure crop in India. It improves soil fertility by fixing atmospheric nitrogen and adding organic matter. During scarcity periods, it may also be used as fodder, but its main purpose is green manuring .
Clusterbean (Guar) as a green manure crop is valued for: a) High nitrogen fixation b) Drought tolerance c) Rapid decomposition d) All of the above
Answer: b) Drought tolerance
*Explanation: Clusterbean (Guar) is a green manure crop that is particularly valued for its drought tolerance. It can be grown in semi-arid regions where other green manure crops may fail. It fixes moderate nitrogen (30-40 kg/ha) and adds organic matter, making it suitable for rainfed areas .*
After incorporation, green manure decomposes and releases nitrogen within: a) 1-2 days b) 1-2 weeks c) 3-4 weeks d) 8-10 weeks
Answer: c) 3-4 weeks
*Explanation: After incorporation, green manure crops decompose rapidly under warm, moist conditions. Nitrogen is mineralized and becomes available to the succeeding crop within 3-4 weeks. This timing is ideal for crops like rice, which are transplanted 2-3 weeks after green manure incorporation .
Agroforestry is defined as: a) Growing only trees on farmland b) Growing only crops with forest trees c) A land use system that integrates trees, crops, and/or animals on the same land management unit d) Growing crops in forest areas
Answer: c) A land use system that integrates trees, crops, and/or animals on the same land management unit
Explanation: Agroforestry is a collective name for land use systems in which woody perennials (trees, shrubs) are grown in association with herbaceous plants (crops, pastures) and/or livestock, in a spatial arrangement or temporal sequence. There must be significant ecological and economic interactions between the woody and non-woody components .
The term “Agroforestry” was coined in: a) 1968 b) 1977 c) 1985 d) 1990
Answer: b) 1977
Explanation: The term “agroforestry” was coined in 1977 by the International Centre for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF), now called the World Agroforestry Centre. However, the practices themselves are ancient and have been used for centuries by farmers worldwide .
The headquarters of ICRAF (World Agroforestry Centre) is located in: a) New Delhi, India b) Nairobi, Kenya c) Bogor, Indonesia d) Rome, Italy
Answer: b) Nairobi, Kenya
Explanation: The World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) has its headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. It is one of the 15 CGIAR research centers and focuses on research and development of agroforestry practices to improve livelihoods and environmental sustainability, particularly in developing countries .
