- Which country is the largest producer of rice in the world?
a) India
b) China
c) Indonesia
d) Vietnam
Answer: b) China
Explanation: China is the world’s largest producer of rice, followed by India. Together, China and India account for more than 50% of the world’s rice production. India has the largest area under rice cultivation in the world.
- The most critical growth stage for irrigation in wheat is:
a) Germination
b) Crown Root Initiation (CRI)
c) Flowering
d) Grain filling
Answer: b) Crown Root Initiation (CRI)
*Explanation: CRI stage occurs 20-25 days after sowing in wheat and is the most critical for irrigation. Moisture stress at this stage severely affects tillering and yield potential. This is when the first irrigation should be applied.*
- Which type of rice is known as “King of Rice” due to its superior quality?
a) IR-8
b) Pusa Basmati-1
c) Jaya
d) Swarna
Answer: b) Pusa Basmati-1
*Explanation: Pusa Basmati-1 is known as the “King of Rice” due to its extra-long slender grains, exquisite aroma, and excellent cooking quality. It’s a high-yielding variety of basmati rice developed by IARI.*
- The optimum temperature for germination of wheat is:
a) 10-15°C
b) 20-25°C
c) 30-35°C
d) 40-45°C
Answer: b) 20-25°C
*Explanation: Wheat germinates best at 20-25°C. Higher temperatures (>30°C) reduce germination percentage, while lower temperatures (<10°C) slow down germination. Wheat is a cool-season crop requiring low temperatures during vegetative growth.*
- Which of the following is a hybrid maize variety?
a) Ganga-5
b) Harsha
c) Maharaja
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
*Explanation: Ganga-5 was the first maize hybrid released in India. Harsha and Maharaja are also popular maize hybrids. Hybrid maize has contributed significantly to increasing maize productivity in India.*
- The process of transplanting rice seedlings in puddled soil is called:
a) Direct seeding
b) Wet seeding
c) Puddled transplanting
d) Dry seeding
Answer: c) Puddled transplanting
*Explanation: Puddled transplanting involves preparing the soil in wet condition (puddling) to create a soft seedbed and reduce percolation losses, followed by transplanting 25-35 day old seedlings. This is the traditional and most common method of rice cultivation.*
- The ideal time for sowing wheat in the Indo-Gangetic plains is:
a) September-October
b) October-November
c) November-December
d) December-January
Answer: b) October-November
Explanation: The optimum time for wheat sowing in the Indo-Gangetic plains is from late October to mid-November. Timely sown wheat gives higher yields due to favorable temperatures during different growth stages. Delayed sowing exposes crop to terminal heat stress.
- Which nutrient deficiency causes “khaira” disease in rice?
a) Nitrogen deficiency
b) Phosphorus deficiency
c) Zinc deficiency
d) Iron deficiency
Answer: c) Zinc deficiency
Explanation: Zinc deficiency in rice causes “khaira” disease, characterized by brown spots on leaves, stunted growth, and poor tillering. It’s common in alkaline and calcareous soils. Soil or foliar application of zinc sulfate corrects this deficiency.
- The most important cereal crop in India in terms of area and production is:
a) Rice
b) Wheat
c) Maize
d) Sorghum
Answer: a) Rice
Explanation: Rice is the most important cereal crop in India, occupying the largest area (about 45 million hectares) and contributing the most to food grain production. It’s the staple food for more than 65% of the Indian population.
- The system of rice intensification (SRI) involves:
a) High seed rate
b) Continuous flooding
c) Young seedlings, wider spacing, and alternate wetting and drying
d) Heavy nitrogen application
Answer: c) Young seedlings, wider spacing, and alternate wetting and drying
*Explanation: SRI principles include transplanting young seedlings (8-12 days), single seedling per hill, wider spacing (25×25 cm), alternate wetting and drying (not continuous flooding), and mechanical weeding to promote root growth and higher yields with less water.*
- Which wheat variety is known as the “Green Revolution variety” that contributed to India’s wheat revolution?
a) Kalyan Sona
b) PBW-343
c) HD-2967
d) GW-322
Answer: a) Kalyan Sona
*Explanation: Kalyan Sona (along with Sonalika) was the semi-dwarf, high-yielding wheat variety introduced during the Green Revolution in the 1960s. It responded well to irrigation and fertilizers, dramatically increasing wheat production in India.*
- The protein content in rice grain is approximately:
a) 3-5%
b) 7-9%
c) 12-14%
d) 16-18%
Answer: b) 7-9%
*Explanation: Rice grain contains about 7-9% protein, which is lower than wheat (11-13%). However, rice protein has good biological value. Brown rice has slightly higher protein than milled rice as protein is concentrated in the aleurone layer and embryo.*
- Which of the following is a Rabi (winter) cereal?
a) Rice
b) Maize
c) Sorghum (Kharif)
d) Wheat
Answer: d) Wheat
Explanation: Wheat is the main Rabi (winter) cereal in India, sown in October-December and harvested in March-April. Rice and maize are primarily Kharif (rainy season) crops, though maize is also grown in Rabi in some areas.
- The phenomenon of “lodging” in cereals refers to:
a) Disease attack
b) Falling over of plants due to weak stems
c) Pest infestation
d) Poor germination
Answer: b) Falling over of plants due to weak stems
Explanation: Lodging is the permanent displacement of plant stems from their upright position, caused by weak stems, excessive nitrogen, high winds, or heavy rain. It reduces yield and quality and makes harvesting difficult. Potassium application strengthens stems.
- The ideal spacing for transplanted rice is:
a) 10×10 cm
b) 20×10 cm or 20×15 cm
c) 30×30 cm
d) 45×45 cm
Answer: b) 20×10 cm or 20×15 cm
*Explanation: The recommended spacing for transplanted rice is 20×10 cm (50 hills/m²) or 20×15 cm (33 hills/m²) depending on variety and season. This provides optimum plant population (330,000-500,000 hills/ha) for maximum yield.*
- Which maize type is richest in protein content?
a) Field corn
b) Sweet corn
c) Pop corn
d) Quality Protein Maize (QPM)
Answer: d) Quality Protein Maize (QPM)
*Explanation: QPM contains genes that enhance lysine and tryptophan content (limiting amino acids in normal maize), making its protein quality comparable to milk protein. It has 70-100% more lysine and tryptophan than normal maize.*
- The most suitable method of sowing wheat under conservation agriculture is:
a) Broadcasting
b) Conventional drilling
c) Zero-till seed drill
d) Dibbling
Answer: c) Zero-till seed drill
Explanation: Zero-till seed drill sows wheat directly into unplowed fields with rice residue, saving time, fuel, and cost. It’s the foundation of conservation agriculture in the rice-wheat system, allowing timely wheat sowing after rice harvest.
- Which rice variety is known as “Wonder Rice” for its high yield potential?
a) IR-8
b) Basmati 370
c) Jaya
d) Pusa 44
Answer: a) IR-8
*Explanation: IR-8, developed by IRRI in the 1960s, was known as “Miracle Rice” or “Wonder Rice.” It was the first high-yielding semi-dwarf rice variety that initiated the Green Revolution in rice, yielding 5-10 tons/ha compared to traditional varieties’ 1-2 tons/ha.*
- The optimum depth for sowing wheat seed is:
a) 1-2 cm
b) 4-5 cm
c) 8-10 cm
d) 12-15 cm
Answer: b) 4-5 cm
*Explanation: Wheat should be sown at 4-5 cm depth for proper germination and emergence. Deeper sowing (>8 cm) delays emergence and reduces plant stand, while shallower sowing (<3 cm) exposes seeds to birds and moisture fluctuations.*
- The most critical weed competition period in direct-seeded rice is:
a) First 15 days
b) First 30-45 days
c) Last 30 days
d) Throughout the season
Answer: b) First 30-45 days
*Explanation: In direct-seeded rice, the critical period of crop-weed competition is the first 30-45 days after sowing. Weeds emerge simultaneously with rice and compete severely for resources. Weed-free maintenance during this period is essential for higher yields.*
- Which of the following is a dent corn variety?
a) Baby corn
b) Field corn
c) Sweet corn
d) Pop corn
Answer: b) Field corn
Explanation: Dent corn (field corn) is characterized by a dent in the crown of each kernel caused by shrinkage of soft starch. It’s the most widely grown corn type, used for animal feed, ethanol, and industrial products. Baby corn is immature corn, sweet corn has high sugar, and pop corn has hard starch for popping.
- The term “haun stage” in wheat refers to:
a) Germination stage
b) Tillering stage when the first tiller is visible
c) Flowering stage
d) Maturity stage
Answer: b) Tillering stage when the first tiller is visible
Explanation: “Haun stage” is a growth staging system for wheat that counts the number of visible leaves on the main stem. It’s used to precisely time agronomic practices like irrigation, fertilizer application, and growth regulator spraying.
- Which of the following is not a method of rice establishment?
a) Transplanting
b) Direct seeding
c) System of Rice Intensification (SRI)
d) Ratooning
Answer: d) Ratooning
Explanation: Ratooning is not a method of establishment but a practice where the crop is allowed to regrow from stubble after harvest for an additional (ratoon) crop. Transplanting, direct seeding, and SRI are all methods of establishing the main rice crop.
- The total water requirement of rice crop is approximately:
a) 300-400 mm
b) 500-700 mm
c) 900-2500 mm
d) 3000-4000 mm
Answer: c) 900-2500 mm
*Explanation: Rice has high water requirement (900-2500 mm depending on season, soil, and variety) due to transplanting, puddling, and maintaining standing water. This is much higher than other cereals like wheat (450-650 mm) or maize (500-800 mm).*
- The protein content in wheat grain is approximately:
a) 5-7%
b) 8-10%
c) 11-13%
d) 15-18%
Answer: c) 11-13%
*Explanation: Wheat grain contains 11-13% protein, which is higher than rice (7-9%). The protein in wheat forms gluten when mixed with water, giving wheat dough its unique elastic properties essential for bread, chapati, and other bakery products.*
- Which country is the largest producer of pulses in the world?
a) Canada
b) India
c) Myanmar
d) Australia
Answer: b) India
Explanation: India is the world’s largest producer, consumer, and importer of pulses, accounting for about 25% of global production, 27% of consumption, and 14% of imports. Major pulses grown include chickpea, pigeonpea, mungbean, blackgram, and lentil.
- The most important pulse crop in India in terms of area and production is:
a) Green gram
b) Black gram
c) Chickpea (Gram)
d) Pigeonpea (Arhar)
Answer: c) Chickpea (Gram)
*Explanation: Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) is the most important pulse crop in India, occupying the largest area (about 9-10 million hectares) and contributing the highest production among pulses. It’s grown mainly as a Rabi crop in central and southern India.*
- The protein content in pulses generally ranges between:
a) 5-10%
b) 10-15%
c) 20-25%
d) 30-35%
Answer: c) 20-25%
*Explanation: Pulses are rich in protein, containing 20-25% protein (almost double that of cereals). They are important protein sources in vegetarian diets. Some pulses like soybean have even higher protein (35-40%).*
- Which pulse crop is known as “poor man’s meat”?
a) Chickpea
b) Pigeonpea
c) Lentil
d) Soybean
Answer: d) Soybean
- The symbiotic bacterium associated with pulse crops for nitrogen fixation is:
a) Azotobacter
b) Azospirillum
c) Rhizobium
d) Frankia
Answer: c) Rhizobium
Explanation: Rhizobium is the nitrogen-fixing bacterium that forms root nodules in leguminous plants (pulses). It converts atmospheric nitrogen into plant-available forms through symbiotic nitrogen fixation. Different pulses have specific Rhizobium strains.
- Which of the following is a Kharif pulse crop?
a) Chickpea
b) Lentil
c) Pigeonpea (Arhar)
d) Field pea
Answer: c) Pigeonpea (Arhar)
Explanation: Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) is primarily a Kharif (rainy season) pulse crop, sown in June-July and harvested in December-January. Chickpea, lentil, and field pea are Rabi (winter) pulses. Green gram and black gram are grown in both seasons.
- The optimum time for sowing chickpea in northern India is:
a) June-July
b) August-September
c) October-November
d) December-January
Answer: c) October-November
Explanation: Chickpea is a Rabi crop sown in October-November after the monsoon season. It requires cool temperatures during vegetative growth and warm temperatures during maturity. Delayed sowing exposes the crop to higher temperatures during grain filling.
- Which pulse crop is also known as “red gram” or “tur”?
a) Chickpea
b) Pigeonpea
c) Green gram
d) Black gram
Answer: b) Pigeonpea
Explanation: Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) is known by various names: red gram, arhar, tur, or Congo pea. Its seeds are used as dal (split pulse), and green pods are used as vegetable. It’s a perennial shrub but grown as an annual crop.
- The practice of “dibbling” is most commonly used for sowing which pulse crop?
a) Chickpea
b) Pigeonpea
c) Green gram
d) Lentil
Answer: b) Pigeonpea
*Explanation: Pigeonpea is often sown by dibbling (placing seeds in holes at regular intervals) at wider spacing (60-90 cm × 20-30 cm) due to its bushy growth habit and longer duration. This allows intercropping with short-duration crops like sorghum, groundnut, or soybean.*
- The major limiting factor for pulse production in India is:
a) Lack of high-yielding varieties
b) Moisture stress (rainfed cultivation)
c) Pest and disease incidence
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: Pulse production in India faces multiple constraints: most pulses are grown under rainfed conditions with moisture stress; limited adoption of high-yielding varieties; severe pest and disease pressure (pod borer in pigeonpea, wilt in chickpea); and they’re often grown on marginal lands with poor management.
- Which nutrient is critical for enhancing biological nitrogen fixation in pulses?
a) Nitrogen
b) Phosphorus
c) Potassium
d) Sulfur
Answer: b) Phosphorus
*Explanation: Phosphorus is critical for nodulation and nitrogen fixation in pulses. It promotes root development and provides energy (ATP) for the nitrogen fixation process. Phosphorus application (20-60 kg P2O5/ha) significantly enhances pulse yields.*
- The “yellow mosaic virus” is a major disease of:
a) Chickpea
b) Pigeonpea
c) Green gram and Black gram
d) Lentil
Answer: c) Green gram and Black gram
Explanation: Yellow Mosaic Virus (YMV) is a serious viral disease of green gram (mungbean) and black gram (urdbean), transmitted by whiteflies. It causes yellow patches on leaves, stunting, and severe yield loss. Resistant varieties and whitefly management are control measures.
- The seed rate required for chickpea is approximately:
a) 20-30 kg/ha
b) 40-50 kg/ha
c) 75-100 kg/ha
d) 150-200 kg/ha
Answer: c) 75-100 kg/ha
*Explanation: Chickpea seed rate is 75-100 kg/ha for desi types and 100-125 kg/ha for kabuli types (larger seeds). This ensures optimum plant population of about 300,000-330,000 plants/ha under rainfed conditions.*
- Which pulse crop has the highest protein content?
a) Chickpea
b) Pigeonpea
c) Soybean
d) Lentil
Answer: c) Soybean
*Explanation: Soybean (technically an oilseed but also a pulse) has the highest protein content among pulses at 35-40%. Among traditional pulses, green gram and black gram have relatively higher protein (24-26%) than chickpea (20-22%) or pigeonpea (20-22%).*
- The ideal time for harvesting pulses is when:
a) Plants are completely dry
b) Pods are fully mature and leaves start yellowing
c) Pods are green
d) Flowers appear
Answer: b) Pods are fully mature and leaves start yellowing
Explanation: Pulses should be harvested when pods are fully mature and leaves start yellowing and drying. Delayed harvesting leads to pod shattering (splitting open) and seed loss, especially in dry conditions. Early harvesting reduces yield and quality.
- Which of the following is a major insect pest of pigeonpea?
a) Pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera)
b) Stem borer
c) Aphids
d) Whiteflies
Answer: a) Pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera)
*Explanation: The pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera, formerly Heliothis) is the most destructive pest of pigeonpea, causing 30-70% yield loss. Larvae feed on flowers and developing pods. Integrated pest management including resistant varieties, pheromone traps, and need-based insecticides is essential.*
- The term “Kabuli” and “Desi” are types of:
a) Pigeonpea
b) Chickpea
c) Green gram
d) Lentil
Answer: b) Chickpea
Explanation: Chickpea has two main types: Desi (small, angular, dark-colored seeds) and Kabuli (large, smooth, cream-colored seeds, also called “chana”). Desi types are more drought-tolerant and grown mainly in India, while Kabuli types are grown in cooler regions.
- The practice of growing pulses as a catch crop is beneficial because:
a) They mature quickly
b) They fix nitrogen
c) Both a and b
d) They require less water
Answer: c) Both a and b
*Explanation: Pulses like green gram and cowpea are excellent catch crops because they mature quickly (60-70 days) and fix atmospheric nitrogen, benefiting the subsequent main crop. They can be grown in the brief period between two main crops.*
- Which disease is known as “gram wilt” in chickpea?
a) Fusarium wilt
b) Powdery mildew
c) Rust
d) Anthracnose
Answer: a) Fusarium wilt
Explanation: Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris, is a serious disease of chickpea, causing significant yield losses. Symptoms include drooping of leaves, yellowing, and wilting of plants. Resistant varieties and long crop rotations are control measures.
- The optimum depth for sowing pulses is:
a) 1-2 cm
b) 5-8 cm
c) 10-12 cm
d) 15-20 cm
Answer: b) 5-8 cm
*Explanation: Pulses should be sown at 5-8 cm depth for proper germination and establishment. Deeper sowing may exhaust seed reserves before emergence, while shallower sowing exposes seeds to birds, ants, and moisture fluctuations.*
- Which of the following is a dual-purpose pulse (grain + vegetable)?
a) Chickpea
b) Pigeonpea
c) Lentil
d) Field pea
Answer: b) Pigeonpea
Explanation: Pigeonpea is a dual-purpose crop – green pods are harvested as vegetable (rich in protein and vitamins), and mature seeds are used as dal. Field pea is also used as vegetable (green peas), but pigeonpea is more commonly used in both ways in India.
- The phenomenon of “hard seed” in pulses refers to:
a) Seeds with thick seed coat that don’t imbibe water
b) Seeds with high protein content
c) Seeds that are difficult to thresh
d) Seeds resistant to pests
Answer: a) Seeds with thick seed coat that don’t imbibe water
Explanation: Hard seeds have impermeable seed coats that prevent water absorption and germination even under favorable conditions. This is common in pulses like green gram, black gram, and cowpea. It helps survival in nature but causes problems in uniform crop establishment.
- The recommended spacing for chickpea under rainfed conditions is:
a) 15×5 cm
b) 30×10 cm
c) 45×20 cm
d) 60×30 cm
Answer: b) 30×10 cm
*Explanation: Under rainfed conditions, chickpea is sown at 30×10 cm spacing (row-to-row 30 cm, plant-to-plant 10 cm) giving about 333,000 plants/ha. Under irrigated conditions, slightly wider spacing (30×15 cm) may be used.*
- Which pulse crop is most tolerant to drought conditions?
a) Green gram
b) Black gram
c) Pigeonpea
d) Chickpea
Answer: d) Chickpea
Explanation: Chickpea is considered the most drought-tolerant among major pulses due to its deep root system, efficient water use, and ability to extract moisture from deeper soil layers. It’s typically grown on residual soil moisture after the monsoon.
- The term “Rhizobium” was discovered by:
a) Beijerinck
b) Hellriegel and Wilfarth
c) Winogradsky
d) Pasteur
Answer: b) Hellriegel and Wilfarth
*Explanation: German scientists Hellriegel and Wilfarth (1886-1888) demonstrated that legumes can fix atmospheric nitrogen through symbiosis with bacteria in root nodules. Beijerinck (1888) isolated and named the bacterium Rhizobium leguminosarum.*
