Explanation

• Stomata are tiny pores on leaf surfaces that control gas exchange and water loss.
• Their opening and closing is regulated by certain nutrients.

• Adequate potassium improves drought tolerance and water-use efficiency in crops.
• Crops like wheat, rice, and sugarcane respond strongly to potassium fertilization.

Last verified on 01-02-2026

Explanation

• Ethylene is a gaseous plant hormone that stimulates fruit ripening.
• It can inhibit vegetative growth in some plants.
• It is naturally produced by fruits like apples and bananas during maturation.

Additional information:

• Abscisic acid helps in seed dormancy and stress response.
• Auxin mainly promotes cell elongation and growth.

Last verified on 30-01-2026

Explanation

• Saline-sodic soils contain high amounts of soluble salts and sodium, which reduce crop growth. 
• These soils are common in arid and semi-arid regions where evaporation exceeds rainfall. 
• Treating them properly improves fertility and productivity.

Additional information:

• Reclamation often involves leaching with good-quality water and adding gypsum (CaSO₄·2H₂O).
• Once reclaimed, these soils can support crops like wheat, cotton, and sugarcane.

Last verified on 01-02-2026

Explanation

• Conservation Agriculture is a form of sustainable agriculture focused on long-term soil and resource health.
• Based on three key principles: minimum tillage, permanent soil cover, crop rotation.
• Helps improve soil fertility, moisture conservation, and biodiversity.

Last verified on 01-02-2026

Explanation

• Imbibition is the absorption of water by seeds or dry plant tissues.
• It causes swelling of the seed and initiates germination.

Additional information:

• Imbibition generates pressure called imbibitional pressure, which can crack hard seed coats.
• It is the first step in seed germination before water uptake by osmosis.

Last verified on 25-01-2026

Explanation

• Mulching: Covers soil surface and reduces evaporation and temperature loss.
• Soil organic matter: Improves water-holding capacity and soil structure.
• Deep tillage: Breaks hardpan and increases water infiltration and storage.

Last verified on 01-02-2026

Explanation

• Hypocotyl is the portion of the embryonic stem below the cotyledon(s).
• It connects the cotyledons to the radicle (embryonic root).
• During germination (especially in dicots), hypocotyl often elongates and lifts cotyledons above soil.

Additional information:

• Epicotyl is the stem part above the cotyledons.

Last verified on 01-02-2026

Explanation

• Bagasse is the fibrous residue left after extracting juice (water + sugar) from sugarcane.
• Used as fuel in sugar mills to produce steam and electricity.
• Also used to make paper, boards, and bio-products.

Last verified on 01-02-2026

Explanation

• Long day plants flower when day length exceeds a critical duration (long daylight hours).
• Long days trigger the shift from vegetative growth to reproductive (flowering) stage.
• Examples: Wheat, barley, spinach, radish.

Last verified on 01-02-2026

Explanation

• In maize (Zea mays), the first structure to emerge from the seed during germination is the radical root.
• It is also known as the primary root.
• This root grows downward into the soil, anchoring the seedling and absorbing water and nutrients.

Last verified on 01-02-2026