Question

Given below are two statements:
Statement I : Higher the degree of cross pollination in a crop, more will be the isolation distance requirement in seed production
Statement II : Self-pollinated crops need minimum isolation distance for seed production
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

• A. Both Statement I and Statement II are true
• B. Both Statement I and Statement II are false
• C. Statement I is correct but Statement II is false
• D. Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is true

Hint:

Isolation distance is highest in cross-pollinated crops ($200\text{--}1000\,\text{m}$) and minimal in self-pollinated crops ($3\,\text{m}$).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Isolation distance requirements are directly dictated by the crop's natural mode of pollination and pollen dispersal mechanism.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1. Statement I is TRUE: Highly cross-pollinated crops (e.g., maize, bajra, brassica) rely on airborne pollen or pollinating insects that travel long distances, requiring large spatial isolation distances ($200\text{--}1000\,\text{m}$) to prevent unwanted cross-contamination.
2. Statement II is TRUE: Naturally self-pollinated crops (e.g., wheat, rice, barley) shed pollen within closed florets (cleistogamy/chasmogamy), requiring only minimal isolation distances ($3\,\text{m}$) to prevent mechanical admixtures.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Thus, both Statement I and Statement II are true.