HORTICULTURE – COMPLETE EXAM ANSWERS

SECTION A: Very Short Answer Questions (2–3 lines each)

1. Plantation crops

Plantation crops are commercial crops grown on large estates mainly for sale and export. They require high
capital investment, skilled management, and specific climatic conditions. Examples include tea, coffee,
rubber, and coconut.

2. Fruit

A fruit is a mature or ripened ovary of a flower formed after fertilization. It usually contains seeds and helps
in protection and dispersal of seeds.

3. Denavelling in Banana

Denavelling is the removal of the male bud (banana heart) after fruit set. It improves fruit development,
reduces pest incidence, and increases yield.

4. Rootstock

Rootstock is the lower part of a grafted plant which forms the root system. It influences vigour, disease
resistance, and adaptability of the plant.

5. HDP

HDP stands for High Density Planting. It is the practice of planting crops at closer spacing to increase yield
per unit area.

6. Mango malformation

Mango malformation is a physiological disorder causing abnormal growth of shoots and flowers. It results
in poor flowering and low fruit set.

7. Mulching

Mulching is the practice of covering the soil surface with organic or inorganic materials. It conserves
moisture, controls weeds, and regulates soil temperature.

8. Maturity indices

Maturity indices are parameters used to determine the proper stage of harvesting fruits. These include size,
colour, firmness, and days from flowering.

1
9. CTC in Tea

CTC stands for Crush, Tear and Curl. It is a tea processing method that produces strong and quick-brewing
tea.

10. Pomology

Pomology is the branch of horticulture dealing with fruit crops. It includes cultivation, harvesting, storage,
and marketing of fruits.

11. Asexual propagation

Asexual propagation is the production of new plants without seeds. It involves vegetative parts like cuttings,
grafting, layering, and budding.

12. Mattocking in Banana

Mattocking is the practice of loosening soil around banana plants using a mattock. It improves aeration,
water penetration, and root growth.

13. Pruning and its importance

Pruning is the removal of unwanted plant parts. It improves plant shape, light penetration, fruit quality, and
yield.

SECTION B: Short Answer Questions (6–8 lines each)

1. Grape hybrids with their parents

1. Reminder × Thompson Seedless – Pusa Seedless

These hybrids were developed to improve yield, quality, and seedlessness.

2. Procedure of Air Layering in fruit crops

Air layering is a vegetative propagation method used in crops like litchi and guava. A healthy shoot is
selected and a ring of bark is removed. The exposed portion is treated with rooting hormone (IBA). Moist
moss or soil is wrapped around the area and covered with polythene. After root formation, the layer is cut
and planted in nursery beds.

3. Physiological disorders of Mango with causes

• Mango malformation – Hormonal imbalance and low temperature

2
 • Alternate bearing – Nutrient imbalance and heavy cropping
• Black tip – Brick kiln fumes (SO₂ toxicity)
• Spongy tissue – High temperature during fruit development
• Fruit drop – Moisture stress and nutrient deficiency

4. Role of PGRs in fruit production

Plant Growth Regulators help in flower induction, fruit set, and fruit retention. Auxins reduce fruit drop in
mango and citrus. Gibberellins increase fruit size in grapes. Ethylene is used for uniform fruit ripening.
Overall, PGRs improve yield and fruit quality.

5. Processing methods of Coffee

Coffee is processed by dry and wet methods. In the dry method, berries are sun-dried and hulled. In the wet
method, pulp is removed, beans are fermented, washed, and dried. The wet method produces better
quality coffee. Processing improves flavour and aroma.

6. Training and methods in fruit crops

Training is the practice of giving proper shape and direction to plant growth. It improves light penetration
and air circulation. Common systems include open centre, central leader, and modified leader. In grapes,
bower and kniffin systems are used. Training improves yield and quality.

7. Mango hybrids with parents

• Amrapali – Dashehari × Neelum

8. Major diseases of Banana and Grape

Banana: Panama wilt – Fusarium oxysporum; Sigatoka leaf spot – Mycosphaerella musicola; Bunchy top –
Virus

Grape: Downy mildew – Plasmopara viticola; Powdery mildew – Uncinula necator; Anthracnose – Elsinoe
ampelina

SECTION C: Long Answer Questions

1. Crop regulation / Bahar treatment in Guava

Crop regulation refers to the scientific manipulation of flowering and fruiting in fruit crops in order to
obtain higher yield, better quality fruits, and regular bearing in a desired season. In guava, crop regulation
is commonly known as bahar treatment. Guava is a prolific bearer and produces flowers more than once in
a year, which results in poor quality fruits if not regulated properly.

3
Guava has three main flowering seasons known as bahars. The first is Ambe Bahar, in which flowering
occurs during January–February and fruits are harvested during July–August. Fruits of this bahar are
generally of inferior quality due to heavy rains, pest incidence, and low market value. The second is Mrig
Bahar, with flowering during June–July and harvesting during November–December. This bahar is
considered the best because fruits are of superior quality, better size, sweetness, and fetch higher prices in
the market. The third is Hasta Bahar, where flowering occurs in September–October and harvesting takes
place in February–March. Fruits of this bahar are moderate in quality and yield.

Crop regulation in guava is mainly done to encourage Mrig Bahar. Different methods are used for
regulation. Withholding irrigation during summer months induces rest in plants and suppresses
unwanted flowering. Root exposure or root pruning helps in checking vegetative growth and flowering.
Chemical methods, such as spraying NAA (200–400 ppm) or urea, are used to remove excess flowers.
Pruning of current season shoots also helps in regulating flowering. Proper crop regulation results in
uniform flowering, better fruit quality, higher yield, and increased profitability.

2. Botanical name and popular varieties of fruit and plantation crops

The knowledge of botanical names and popular varieties is essential for scientific identification and
cultivation of fruit and plantation crops. Different crops have different varieties adapted to specific climatic
conditions.

Crop Botanical Name Popular Varieties

Mandarin Citrus reticulata Nagpur Santra, Coorg Mandarin

Sweet Orange Citrus sinensis Mosambi, Jaffa

Sapota Manilkara zapota Kalipatti, Cricket Ball

Aonla Emblica officinalis Banarasi, Chakaiya

Pear Pyrus communis Bartlett, Patharnakh

Tea Camellia sinensis Assam type, China type

These varieties are widely cultivated due to their high yield, quality fruits, and adaptability to Indian agro-
climatic conditions.

3. Importance and scope of fruit and plantation crop industry in India

The fruit and plantation crop industry plays a very important role in Indian agriculture and economy. India
is blessed with diverse climatic conditions, which are highly suitable for growing a wide range of fruit and
plantation crops such as mango, banana, citrus, tea, coffee, coconut, and rubber.

Fruits are rich sources of vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and antioxidants, thus helping in improving
nutritional security of the population. Plantation crops like tea, coffee, and coconut contribute significantly

4
to foreign exchange earnings. These crops provide higher income per unit area compared to cereal crops
and generate large-scale employment opportunities, especially in rural and tribal areas.

The scope of fruit and plantation crops is increasing due to rising population, higher income levels, and
increased demand for nutritious food. There is great potential for value addition through processing
industries such as juice, jam, jelly, wine, oil extraction, and beverages. Export potential of fruits and
plantation products is also increasing. Thus, this sector plays a key role in economic growth, employment
generation, and sustainable agriculture.

4. Production technology of Citrus

Citrus is one of the most important fruit groups which includes orange, mandarin, lemon, lime, and
grapefruit. Citrus crops are grown widely in tropical and subtropical regions of India.

Climate: Citrus requires a warm climate with moderate rainfall. Extreme cold and frost are harmful to citrus
plants.

Soil: Well-drained loamy soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 are ideal. Waterlogging should be avoided.

Propagation: Citrus plants are propagated mainly through budding, especially T-budding or shield
budding, to maintain true-to-type plants.

Planting: Planting is done during monsoon or spring season with proper spacing depending on species
and variety.

Manures and fertilizers: Application of farmyard manure along with balanced NPK fertilizers is necessary
for healthy growth and fruiting.

Irrigation: Regular irrigation is required during flowering and fruit development stages.

Training and pruning: Only light pruning is done to remove dead, diseased, and crossing branches.

Harvesting: Fruits are harvested at proper maturity based on size, colour, and juice content.

5. Production technology of Coconut (Cocos nucifera)

Coconut is an important plantation crop grown extensively in tropical regions of India. It is known as the
‘Tree of Life’ due to its multiple uses.

Climate: Coconut requires a warm and humid climate with well-distributed rainfall.

Soil: It grows well in sandy loam, laterite, and coastal soils with good drainage.

Propagation: Coconut is propagated by seed nuts selected from high-yielding and disease-free palms.

5
Planting: Pits are prepared and seedlings are planted at a spacing of about 7.5 × 7.5 meters.

Manures and fertilizers: Regular application of organic manure and recommended doses of NPK fertilizers
increases yield.

Irrigation: Irrigation during dry months is essential for continuous nut production.

Harvesting: Coconut palms start bearing after 6–7 years. Nuts are harvested at intervals of 45–60 days
depending on purpose.

End of Document