Question

Deep sowing of chickpea is better than shallow depth in rainfed areas; which of the following statements not linked with benefits of deep sowing?

• A. Reduces incidence of wilt
• B. Promotes better root development
• C. Promotes good germination
• D. Protection of seed from U.V. radiation

Hint:

Sowing chickpea at a depth of 8-10 cm is a classic cultural practice used to manage Fusarium wilt.
It keeps the roots in cooler soil layers where the pathogen is less active, while also helping the plant access deeper soil moisture.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) is primarily grown as a rainfed crop on residual soil moisture during the post-monsoon (Rabi) season.
In these dryland environments, sowing depth is a critical management decision that directly affects crop establishment and disease resistance.
Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze the agronomic benefits of deep sowing (8-10 cm) in chickpea:
- Promotes better root development: Sowing deeper places the seed in contact with deeper, more stable soil moisture.
This encourages the plant to develop a deeper, more extensive root system, which helps it access water throughout the dry season (Statement B).
- Promotes good germination: The topsoil in rainfed fields dries out quickly.
Deep sowing ensures the seed has access to the consistent moisture needed for successful germination and emergence (Statement C).
- Reduces incidence of wilt: Chickpea wilt (caused by the soil-borne fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri) is highly active in warm soils.
Deep sowing places the root crown in deeper, cooler soil layers, which suppresses fungal activity and significantly reduces the incidence of wilt (Statement A).
- Protection from U.V. radiation: While soil protects seeds from light, standard sowing depths (4-5 cm) provide complete protection from UV radiation.
Sowing even deeper (8-10 cm) provides no additional benefit in terms of UV protection, making this statement irrelevant to the agronomic benefits of deep sowing.

Step 2: Final Answer:
"Protection of seed from U.V. radiation" is not a recognized agronomic benefit of deep-sown chickpea.