Question:

Based on water use efficiency, identify the sequence of crops in ascending order: [Question ID = 701][Question Description = 201_34_PLB_AUG22_Q101]

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Standard WUE ratios for photosynthetic pathways are approximately: \(C_3\) (1:400-800), \(C_4\) (1:250-400), and CAM (1:50-100). Remembering this hierarchy helps solve most WUE-related questions.
  • Pearl millet < redgram < maize [Option ID = 2801]
  • Greengram < finger millet < pineapple [Option ID = 2802]
  • Pineapple < rice < cotton [Option ID = 2803]
  • Sorghum < wheat < brinjal [Option ID = 2804]
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Water Use Efficiency (WUE) is defined as the amount of carbon dioxide assimilated or dry matter produced per unit of water transpired by the plant. It is a critical physiological parameter that varies significantly across different photosynthetic pathways: \(C_3\), \(C_4\), and CAM (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism). Generally, CAM plants exhibit the highest WUE because they keep their stomata closed during the day, while \(C_3\) plants have the lowest WUE due to high transpiration losses relative to carbon fixation.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

To identify the ascending order (from lowest to highest WUE), we must categorize the crops based on their photosynthetic mechanisms:
1. Greengram (\(C_3\)): As a typical \(C_3\) pulse crop, it has high transpiration rates and lower efficiency in fixing \(CO_2\) compared to \(C_4\) plants, resulting in the lowest WUE among the three categories.
2. Finger Millet (\(C_4\)): Millets are \(C_4\) plants. The \(C_4\) pathway involves a \(\text{CO}_2\) concentrating mechanism that reduces photorespiration and allows the plant to maintain high photosynthetic rates even with partially closed stomata. Consequently, its WUE is significantly higher than that of \(C_3\) crops like greengram.
3. Pineapple (CAM): Pineapple utilizes the CAM pathway, which is the most water-efficient system. By opening stomata at night to take up \(\text{CO}_2\) and storing it as malate, CAM plants minimize daytime transpirational water loss. This makes pineapple the most water-use efficient crop in this list.
The sequence Greengram (\(C_3\)) < Finger Millet (\(C_4\)) < Pineapple (CAM) perfectly represents the ascending order of Water Use Efficiency.

Step 3: Final Answer:

The correct ascending sequence is Greengram < finger millet < pineapple.
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