- Which country is the largest producer of oilseeds in the world?
a) India
b) China
c) USA
d) Brazil
Answer: c) USA
Explanation: The USA is the world’s largest oilseed producer, primarily due to its massive soybean production. India is the fourth-largest oilseed producer after USA, Brazil, and Argentina, but is one of the largest consumers and importers of edible oils.
- The most important oilseed crop in India in terms of area and production is:
a) Groundnut
b) Rapeseed-mustard
c) Soybean
d) Sunflower
Answer: c) Soybean
*Explanation: Soybean has emerged as the most important oilseed in India, occupying the largest area (about 11-12 million hectares) and contributing the highest production, mainly in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan.*
- The oil content in groundnut kernels is approximately:
a) 20-25%
b) 30-35%
c) 40-50%
d) 55-60%
Answer: c) 40-50%
*Explanation: Groundnut kernels contain 40-50% oil and 25-30% protein. It’s one of the most important oilseeds and also a valuable food crop (protein-rich). The oil is used for cooking, while the cake is excellent livestock feed.*
- Which oilseed crop is known as “Queen of oilseeds” due to its high oil quality?
a) Groundnut
b) Soybean
c) Sunflower
d) Sesame
Answer: d) Sesame
*Explanation: Sesame (Sesamum indicum) is called the “Queen of oilseeds” because of its high-quality oil with excellent stability (due to natural antioxidants like sesamol), pleasant taste, and medicinal properties. It contains 50-55% oil.*
- The ideal time for sowing groundnut in India is:
a) Kharif (June-July)
b) Rabi (October-November)
c) Summer (February-March)
d) Both Kharif and Rabi depending on region
Answer: d) Both Kharif and Rabi depending on region
*Explanation: Groundnut is grown in three seasons in India: Kharif (June-July) in major producing states, Rabi (October-November) in areas with irrigation, and summer (February-March) in parts of South India. Kharif groundnut accounts for about 80% of production.*
- Which nutrient is essential for oil synthesis in oilseed crops?
a) Nitrogen
b) Phosphorus
c) Potassium
d) Sulfur
Answer: d) Sulfur
Explanation: Sulfur is critical for oil synthesis in oilseed crops as it’s a component of amino acids (cysteine, methionine) and coenzymes involved in oil biosynthesis. Sulfur deficiency reduces both yield and oil content of oilseeds. Mustard and groundnut have high sulfur requirements.
- The “yellow revolution” in India is associated with:
a) Wheat production
b) Rice production
c) Oilseed production
d) Pulse production
Answer: c) Oilseed production
*Explanation: The “Yellow Revolution” refers to the significant increase in oilseed production in India during the 1990s, driven by the Technology Mission on Oilseeds (TMO) established in 1986. It aimed to achieve self-sufficiency in edible oils through improved technology and support.*
- Which of the following is a Rabi oilseed crop?
a) Groundnut
b) Soybean
c) Sunflower
d) Rapeseed-mustard
Answer: d) Rapeseed-mustard
Explanation: Rapeseed-mustard (Brassica spp.) is the main Rabi oilseed crop in India, sown in October-November and harvested in February-March. It’s the second most important oilseed after soybean, grown mainly in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh.
- The process of “peg” formation is unique to which oilseed crop?
a) Soybean
b) Sunflower
c) Groundnut
d) Sesame
Answer: c) Groundnut
Explanation: Groundnut has a unique reproductive structure called “peg” (gynophore). After fertilization, the flower stalk elongates and bends downward, pushing the developing ovary (peg) into the soil where the pod develops underground. This is called geocarpy.
- The critical stage for irrigation in mustard is:
a) Germination
b) Rosette stage
c) Flowering and pod formation
d) Maturity
Answer: c) Flowering and pod formation
*Explanation: Moisture stress during flowering and pod development in mustard severely affects yield. Irrigation at these stages (pre-flowering and pod filling) significantly increases production. Mustard requires 2-3 irrigations under normal conditions.*
- Which sunflower type is cultivated for oil extraction?
a) Confectionery sunflower
b) Oilseed sunflower
c) Ornamental sunflower
d) Wild sunflower
Answer: b) Oilseed sunflower
*Explanation: Oilseed sunflower varieties have small, black seeds with high oil content (40-50%), grown primarily for oil extraction. Confectionery sunflower has larger, striped seeds with lower oil content, used for direct consumption (snacks, bird feed).*
- The oil content in soybean is approximately:
a) 10-15%
b) 18-22%
c) 25-30%
d) 35-40%
Answer: b) 18-22%
*Explanation: Soybean contains about 18-22% oil and 35-40% protein. While its oil content is lower than other oilseeds, its high protein meal makes it valuable. Soybean accounts for about 50% of world oilseed production.*
- Which of the following is a major pest of groundnut?
a) Pod borer
b) Stem borer
c) Leaf miner
d) Aphids
Answer: c) Leaf miner
*Explanation: Groundnut leaf miner (Aproaerema modicella) is a serious pest of groundnut, causing 30-50% yield loss. Larvae mine into leaves, causing brown patches and defoliation. Other pests include tobacco caterpillar, aphids, and thrips.*
- The ideal soil for groundnut cultivation is:
a) Heavy clay soil
b) Sandy loam soil
c) Saline soil
d) Waterlogged soil
Answer: b) Sandy loam soil
Explanation: Groundnut requires well-drained, loose, sandy loam soils for proper peg penetration and pod development. Heavy clay soils hinder peg entry and cause pod rotting. The crop also requires calcium in the podding zone for proper kernel development.
- Which disease is known as “Tikka disease” in groundnut?
a) Rust
b) Early and late leaf spot
c) Wilt
d) Rosette
Answer: b) Early and late leaf spot
Explanation: Tikka disease in groundnut is caused by Cercospora personata (late leaf spot) and Cercospora arachidicola (early leaf spot). Symptoms include dark spots on leaves, leading to defoliation and yield loss. It’s controlled by resistant varieties and fungicides.
- The recommended seed rate for hybrid sunflower is:
a) 2-3 kg/ha
b) 5-7 kg/ha
c) 10-12 kg/ha
d) 20-25 kg/ha
Answer: b) 5-7 kg/ha
*Explanation: Hybrid sunflower requires only 5-7 kg/ha seed rate due to its bold seeds and wider spacing (60×30 cm). Lower seed rate also reflects the higher cost of hybrid seeds. Plant population should be about 50,000-55,000 plants/ha.*
- Which oilseed crop is known for its self-pollinating nature but shows heterosis?
a) Groundnut
b) Mustard
c) Sunflower
d) Sesame
Answer: c) Sunflower
*Explanation: Sunflower is primarily cross-pollinated (self-incompatible) and shows strong heterosis (hybrid vigor). Hybrid sunflower varieties yield 20-30% more than open-pollinated varieties and are widely cultivated in India.*
- The “alternaria blight” is a major disease of:
a) Groundnut
b) Soybean
c) Mustard
d) Sunflower
Answer: c) Mustard
Explanation: Alternaria blight (Alternaria brassicae) is a serious disease of rapeseed-mustard, causing circular dark spots on leaves, stems, and pods, leading to defoliation and yield loss. It’s prevalent in cool, humid conditions during the Rabi season.
- The optimum temperature range for groundnut germination is:
a) 10-15°C
b) 20-25°C
c) 30-35°C
d) 40-45°C
Answer: c) 30-35°C
*Explanation: Groundnut requires warm temperatures for germination (30-35°C) and growth. It’s a tropical legume sensitive to low temperatures. The crop requires 120-150 frost-free days with adequate sunshine for good yields.*
- Which of the following is a Kharif oilseed crop?
a) Rapeseed-mustard
b) Linseed
c) Sesame (Kharif)
d) Safflower
Answer: c) Sesame (Kharif)
Explanation: Sesame is grown in both Kharif and Rabi/summer seasons, but the main season is Kharif in most parts of India. Groundnut, soybean, and sunflower are also Kharif crops. Rapeseed-mustard, linseed, and safflower are Rabi oilseeds.
- The term “bold-seeded” in groundnut refers to varieties with:
a) High oil content
b) Large kernel size
c) Early maturity
d) Disease resistance
Answer: b) Large kernel size
Explanation: Groundnut varieties are classified as bold (Virginia type) or small (Spanish type). Bold-seeded varieties have larger kernels, are primarily used for table purposes (confectionery), and have slightly lower oil content than small-seeded types.
- The critical nutrient management practice in mustard is application of:
a) Only nitrogen
b) Nitrogen and phosphorus
c) Nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur
d) Only potassium
Answer: c) Nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur
*Explanation: Mustard responds well to nitrogen (80-120 kg/ha), phosphorus (40-60 kg P2O5/ha), and sulfur (20-40 kg/ha). Sulfur is particularly important for oil synthesis and pungency in mustard. Potassium is applied based on soil test.*
- Which of the following is not an oilseed crop?
a) Sunflower
b) Safflower
c) Linseed
d) Lentil
Answer: d) Lentil
*Explanation: Lentil is a pulse crop, not an oilseed. Sunflower (oil content 40-50%), safflower (30-35%), and linseed (35-45%) are all oilseed crops grown primarily for oil extraction.*
- The phenomenon of “self-incompatibility” in sunflower means:
a) Plants cannot produce seeds
b) Pollen from the same plant cannot fertilize its ovules
c) Plants are male sterile
d) Plants are female sterile
Answer: b) Pollen from the same plant cannot fertilize its ovules
Explanation: Self-incompatibility in sunflower means that pollen from a plant cannot fertilize its own ovules, promoting cross-pollination. This necessitates planting two parental lines for hybrid seed production and makes pollinators (bees) essential for good yields.
- The recommended spacing for soybean is:
a) 15×5 cm
b) 30-45 cm × 5-10 cm
c) 60×30 cm
d) 90×60 cm
Answer: b) 30-45 cm × 5-10 cm
*Explanation: Soybean is sown at row spacing of 30-45 cm with plant-to-plant spacing of 5-10 cm, achieving a plant population of 300,000-400,000 plants/ha. Narrow rows help in canopy closure, weed suppression, and higher yields.*
- Which country is the largest producer of sugarcane in the world?
a) Brazil
b) India
c) China
d) Thailand
Answer: a) Brazil
*Explanation: Brazil is the world’s largest sugarcane producer, followed by India. Brazil produces about 40% of global sugarcane, using much of it for ethanol production. India is the second-largest producer and the largest consumer of sugar.*
- Sugarcane belongs to which family?
a) Fabaceae
b) Poaceae (Gramineae)
c) Malvaceae
d) Solanaceae
Answer: b) Poaceae (Gramineae)
Explanation: Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) belongs to the grass family Poaceae (Gramineae). It’s a perennial grass that stores sucrose in its stems. Commercial sugarcane is a hybrid of several Saccharum species.
- The most critical growth stage for irrigation in sugarcane is:
a) Germination
b) Tillering
c) Grand growth phase (formative stage)
d) Maturity
Answer: c) Grand growth phase (formative stage)
*Explanation: The grand growth phase (120-270 days after planting) is the most critical for irrigation in sugarcane when cane elongation occurs rapidly. Moisture stress during this period severely reduces cane yield. Sugarcane requires 20-30 irrigations depending on climate.*
- Which of the following is a major fiber crop of India?
a) Sugarcane
b) Cotton
c) Jute
d) Both b and c
Answer: d) Both b and c
Explanation: India grows both cotton (major fiber crop in central and southern India) and jute (major fiber crop in eastern India). Cotton is a Kharif crop providing fiber for textiles, while jute provides fiber for packaging, carpets, and textiles.
- The optimum time for planting sugarcane in North India is:
a) January-February
b) October-November (Autumn)
c) February-March (Spring)
d) Both b and c
Answer: d) Both b and c
*Explanation: Sugarcane is planted in two seasons in North India: autumn (October-November) and spring (February-March). Autumn planting gives higher yields due to longer growing period (12-14 months vs 10-12 months for spring). In South India, sugarcane is planted year-round.*
- Which type of cotton is known as “American cotton” and is most widely cultivated in India?
a) Gossypium arboreum (Desi cotton)
b) Gossypium herbaceum
c) Gossypium hirsutum
d) Gossypium barbadense
Answer: c) Gossypium hirsutum
Explanation: Gossypium hirsutum (upland cotton or American cotton) is the most widely cultivated cotton species in India and globally (90% of world production). It has high yield potential and good fiber quality. G. arboreum and G. herbaceum are diploid Asiatic cottons.
- The “white gold” of India refers to:
a) Rice
b) Wheat
c) Cotton
d) Sugarcane
Answer: c) Cotton
Explanation: Cotton is often called “white gold” due to its high economic value and importance to India’s textile industry. India is the second-largest cotton producer in the world after China, and cotton cultivation supports millions of farmers and textile workers.
- The recommended seed rate for cotton (hybrids) is:
a) 1.5-2.5 kg/ha
b) 5-7 kg/ha
c) 10-12 kg/ha
d) 20-25 kg/ha
Answer: a) 1.5-2.5 kg/ha
*Explanation: Hybrid cotton seeds are expensive (Bt cotton hybrids), so the seed rate is low at 1.5-2.5 kg/ha. Spacing is wider (90-120 cm × 60-90 cm) to accommodate the vigorous hybrid plant growth. Desi varieties require higher seed rates (8-12 kg/ha).*
- Which nutrient is known as “King of nutrients” for potato?
a) Nitrogen
b) Phosphorus
c) Potassium
d) Calcium
Answer: c) Potassium
Explanation: Potassium is called the “King of nutrients” for potato because it’s required in large quantities and is crucial for tuber development, starch synthesis, quality (size, shape, specific gravity), and disease resistance. Potatoes remove more K than any other nutrient.
- The most destructive disease of potato is:
a) Early blight
b) Late blight
c) Black scurf
d) Wart
Answer: b) Late blight
*Explanation: Late blight (caused by Phytophthora infestans) is the most destructive disease of potato worldwide. It caused the Irish Potato Famine (1845-1852). Symptoms include water-soaked lesions on leaves, rapidly spreading and killing the crop. It requires timely fungicide application.*
- Which type of tobacco is used for bidi making?
a) Virginia tobacco
b) Natu tobacco
c) Chewing tobacco
d) Cigar tobacco
Answer: b) Natu tobacco
Explanation: Natu tobacco (also called country tobacco) is used for bidi making in India. It’s grown mainly in Gujarat, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. Virginia tobacco is used for cigarettes, while chewing tobacco and cigar tobacco have other specific uses.
- The most critical operation in potato cultivation that affects tuber quality is:
a) Irrigation
b) Fertilizer application
c) Earthing up
d) Weeding
Answer: c) Earthing up
*Explanation: Earthing up (mounding soil around plants) in potato is critical as it: (1) prevents greening of tubers (exposure to light produces toxic solanine), (2) provides loose soil for tuber expansion, (3) controls weeds, and (4) improves drainage. It’s done 30-40 days after planting.*
- The “red rot” is a devastating disease of:
a) Cotton
b) Sugarcane
c) Potato
d) Tobacco
Answer: b) Sugarcane
Explanation: Red rot (caused by Colletotrichum falcatum) is the most destructive disease of sugarcane in India. It causes reddening of internal tissues with white patches, drying of canes, and severe yield loss. It’s managed through resistant varieties and healthy seed material.
- Which of the following is a long-staple cotton variety?
a) MCU-5
b) H-4
c) Digvijay
d) Jayadhar
Answer: a) MCU-5
*Explanation: MCU-5 (from Tamil Nadu) is a long-staple cotton variety (fiber length >30 mm) suitable for high-quality textiles. Staple length determines the quality of yarn: short (<20 mm), medium (20-25 mm), long (25-30 mm), and extra-long (>30 mm).*
- The process of “ratooning” in sugarcane means:
a) Planting new setts
b) Allowing the crop to regrow from stubble after harvest
c) Intercropping
d) Mulching
Answer: b) Allowing the crop to regrow from stubble after harvest
*Explanation: Ratooning in sugarcane involves allowing the stubble (with roots) to remain in the field after harvest to produce a new crop (ratoon crop). This saves planting costs and extends the cropping cycle. Usually 1-3 ratoons are taken before replanting.*
- The optimum temperature for potato tuberization is:
a) 10-15°C
b) 17-20°C
c) 25-30°C
d) 30-35°C
Answer: b) 17-20°C
*Explanation: Potato tuberization (tuber initiation) occurs best at 17-20°C. Higher temperatures (>25°C) inhibit tuber formation and promote vegetative growth. This is why potato is a cool-season crop in India, grown in winter (Rabi) in the plains.*
- Which country is the largest producer of potato in the world?
a) India
b) China
c) Russia
d) USA
Answer: b) China
Explanation: China is the world’s largest potato producer, followed by India. India is the second-largest producer, with major producing states being Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, and Punjab.
- The “square” in cotton refers to:
a) Young leaf
b) Flower bud (before flowering)
c) Developing boll
d) Seed
Answer: b) Flower bud (before flowering)
*Explanation: In cotton, the flower bud protected by three bracts is called a “square.” Squares appear 35-45 days after planting, and flowers open 20-25 days later. Square retention is important for yield; shedding indicates stress (water, nutrient, pest).*
- The recommended spacing for sugarcane is:
a) 30 cm
b) 60-90 cm
c) 120-150 cm
d) 180-200 cm
Answer: b) 60-90 cm
*Explanation: Sugarcane is planted at row spacing of 60-90 cm depending on variety, soil fertility, and region. Wider spacing (90 cm) is used for thick varieties and in fertile soils, while closer spacing (60 cm) for thin varieties and less fertile soils. Paired row planting (30:90 cm) is also common.*
- Which of the following is a Bt cotton hybrid?
a) Bunny Bt
b) MRC-6301 Bt
c) RCH-2 Bt
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
*Explanation: Bt cotton hybrids contain genes from Bacillus thuringiensis that produce proteins toxic to bollworms. Bunny Bt, MRC-6301 Bt, and RCH-2 Bt are popular Bt cotton hybrids in India. Bt cotton was introduced in India in 2002 and now occupies >90% of cotton area.*
- The “tungro” disease in rice is caused by:
a) Fungus
b) Bacteria
c) Virus (transmitted by leafhoppers)
d) Nematode
Answer: c) Virus (transmitted by leafhoppers)
Explanation: Tungro is a viral disease of rice caused by Rice Tungro Bacilliform Virus (RTBV) and Rice Tungro Spherical Virus (RTSV), transmitted by green leafhoppers. It causes stunting, yellow-orange discoloration, reduced tillering, and yield loss.
- The optimum time for harvesting sugarcane is when:
a) Canes are green
b) Juice sucrose content is maximum (maturity)
c) Flowering starts
d) Leaves are completely dry
Answer: b) Juice sucrose content is maximum (maturity)
*Explanation: Sugarcane should be harvested at maturity when sucrose content in juice is maximum (usually 10-12 months after planting). Harvesting too early gives low sugar recovery; too late leads to sucrose inversion (conversion to reducing sugars) and yield loss.*
- Which nutrient deficiency causes “hollow stem” in potato?
a) Nitrogen deficiency
b) Phosphorus deficiency
c) Boron deficiency
d) Potassium deficiency
Answer: c) Boron deficiency
*Explanation: Boron deficiency in potato causes hollow heart (hollow center in tubers) and growth cracks. Boron is essential for cell wall formation and calcium utilization. Soil application of borax (10-15 kg/ha) corrects this deficiency.*
- The “bollworm” complex in cotton includes:
a) American bollworm
b) Spotted bollworm
c) Pink bollworm
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: The bollworm complex in cotton includes American bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera), spotted bollworm (Earias spp.), and pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella). These pests feed on squares, flowers, and bolls, causing significant yield loss. Bt cotton provides resistance.
- The water requirement of sugarcane is approximately:
a) 500-800 mm
b) 1000-1500 mm
c) 1800-2500 mm
d) 3000-4000 mm
Answer: c) 1800-2500 mm
*Explanation: Sugarcane has high water requirement (1800-2500 mm) due to its long duration (10-14 months), high biomass production, and C4 photosynthetic pathway. It’s one of the most water-intensive crops, requiring 20-30 irrigations under normal conditions.*
