Question

Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and other one labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A) : Making a notch below a bud by removing a wedge shaped piece of bark is known as nicking and it helps in formation of fruit bud
Reason (R) : Nicking ensures accumulation of carbohydrates from the leaves to the bud which help in the formation of fruit bud

• A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
• B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A).
• C. (A) is true but (R) is false.
• D. (A) is false but (R) is true.

Hint:

Remember:
- Notching (Above the bud): Blocks downward auxin flow from the shoot apex, promoting vegetative shoot growth.
- Nicking (Below the bud): Blocks downward carbohydrate flow to the roots, promoting reproductive fruit bud formation.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Nicking and notching are specialized pruning practices used in pomology to manipulate bud development by altering the translocation of plant hormones (auxins) and photosynthates (carbohydrates) in the phloem.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze the Assertion and the Reason:
- Assertion (A) is true: "Nicking" involves making a partial cut or removing a wedge-shaped piece of bark (including the phloem) immediately below a dormant bud.
This technique is utilized in fruit trees (such as figs, apples, and pears) to promote reproductive growth and stimulate the formation of fruit buds.
- Reason (R) is true: Sugars and carbohydrates synthesized in the leaves are translocated downward through the phloem.
By cutting the phloem immediately below the bud (nicking), the downward flow of these carbohydrates is blocked.
This causes an accumulation of carbohydrates above the cut, directly feeding the target bud.
A high carbohydrate-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratio at the bud site promotes reproductive differentiation and the formation of a fruit bud.
- Explanation relationship: The Reason describes the physiological mechanism (carbohydrate accumulation due to phloem blockage) that explains why the physical action of nicking promotes fruit bud formation.
Therefore, Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

Step 3: Final Answer:
Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).