Question

Given below are two statements : one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A) : Pruning of roots is most common in India for inducing fruiting in some fruit plants.
Reason (R) : Root pruning may be harmful for fruit plants.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below :

• A. Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explation of (A)
• B. Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is NOT the correct explation of (A)
• C. (A) is correct but (R) is not correct
• D. (A) is not correct but (R) is correct

Hint:

Bahar Treatment Principles: - Root exposing and root pruning stress vegetative growth. - Carbohydrates accumulate in shoots $\rightarrow$ induces uniform flower bud initiation (e.g., Guava, Citrus, Pomegrate).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question tests horticultural knowledge regarding root pruning (bahar treatment practice) in fruit crop magement.

Step 2: Alysis of Assertion (A):

• In tropical and subtropical regions of India, evergreen fruit trees like citrus, pomegrate, and guava do not undergo tural winter dormancy.
• To induce concentrated flowering and fruit set (bahar regulation), root exposure and root pruning are practiced to check vegetative growth and induce water-stress shock.
• Therefore, Assertion (A) is correct.

Step 3: Alysis of Reason (R):

• Root pruning removes feeder roots, reducing water and nutrient absorption.
• If executed excessively or under extreme dry soil conditions, root pruning can cause permanent wilting, dieback, and plant mortality.
• Hence, Reason (R) is a correct statement.
• However, the potential harmful ture of root pruning (R) does NOT explain why growers actively practice it to induce fruiting (A).
• The real explation for practicing root pruning is to restrict vegetative shoot growth and force carbohydrate accumulation for flower bud differentiation.
• Thus, (R) is NOT the correct explation of (A).

Step 4: Fil Answer:
Both (A) and (R) are correct, but (R) is NOT the correct explation of (A). Thus, option (B) is correct.