Question

The mechanism favouring maize as an allogamous crop species is:

• A. Dicliny
• B. Dichogamy
• C. Apogamy
• D. Autogamy

Hint:

Pollination mechanisms:
- Dicliny: Unisexual flowers (maize, cucumber).
- Dichogamy: Different maturation times (onion).
- Autogamy: Self-pollination (wheat, rice).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
This question tests knowledge of pollination mechanisms in crops.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Maize is a cross-pollinated (allogamous) crop due to dicliny.
Dicliny means unisexual flowers (male and female flowers on the same plant).
In maize, male flowers are in the tassel, and female flowers are in the ear (silks).
Dichogamy (B): Maturation of male and female flowers at different times.
Apogamy (C): Development of embryo without fertilization.
Autogamy (D): Self-pollination.
Thus, dicliny favours cross-pollination in maize.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Thus, the mechanism favouring maize as an allogamous crop is dicliny, which corresponds to option (A).
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