Question

Match List I with List II
List I (Crop):
A. Rice
B. Maize
C. Safflower
D. Sugarcane
List II (Inflorescence):
I. Head or Capitulate
II. Panicle
III. Arrow
IV. Tassel
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. A - II, B - III, C - IV, D - I
• B. A - II, B - I, C - III, D - IV
• C. A - II, B - IV, C - I, D - III
• D. A - IV, B - II, C - III, D - I

Hint:

Sugarcane inflorescence is always called the "arrow," and maize male inflorescence is the "tassel." These two highly specific crop terms are frequent topics in agricultural exams.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Inflorescence refers to the arrangement of flowers on a floral axis.
Different crop families are characterized by unique inflorescence structures, which are vital morphological markers for identification and breeding.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze each crop and its designated inflorescence type:
A. Rice (Oryza sativa): The inflorescence of rice is a panicle.
It is a branched, indeterminate inflorescence composed of single-flowered spikelets.
Therefore, A matches with II (Panicle).
B. Maize (Zea mays): Maize is a monoecious plant that bears separate male and female flowers on the same plant.
The male inflorescence, located terminally at the top of the main stem, is called the tassel.
The female inflorescence is the cob or ear, which arises from axillary buds.
Therefore, B matches with IV (Tassel).
C. Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius): Safflower belongs to the Asteraceae (Compositae) family.
Its inflorescence is a capitulum or head, where numerous small, sessile florets are crowded on a common receptacle surrounded by bracts.
Therefore, C matches with I (Head or Capitulate).
D. Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum): The inflorescence of sugarcane is an open, terminal, silk-like branched panicle.
It is commonly referred to as the "arrow," and its emergence is termed "arrowing."
Therefore, D matches with III (Arrow).

Step 3: Final Answer:
Matching the crops with their inflorescence yields: A - II, B - IV, C - I, D - III, which corresponds to Option (C).