Given below are two statements:
Statement (I): Chicorium intybus is an objectionable weed species in Egyptian clover.
Statement (II): Egyptian clover on the ground of their smaller seeds are more vulnerable to have admixture with chicory seeds.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:
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To separate chicory seeds from Berseem, soak the contaminated seed lot in a 10% salt solution.
The chicory seeds will float to the surface and can be skimmed off, while the Berseem seeds sink to the bottom.
Statement (I) is correct and Statement (II) is the right explanation of Statement (I).
Statement (I) is correct but Statement (II) is not the right explanation of Statement (I).
Only Statement (I) is correct but Statement (II) is incorrect.
Statement (I) is incorrect but Statement (II) is correct.
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The Correct Option isA
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
An objectionable weed is a weed whose seeds are highly similar in size, shape, and weight to the crop seeds, making mechanical separation difficult.
Egyptian clover (Berseem *Trifolium alexandrinum*) is commonly contaminated by chicory (*Cichorium intybus*), which is a major concern for seed quality. Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate Statement (I):
*Cichorium intybus* (commonly known as chicory or Kasni) is a serious, highly objectionable weed of Berseem.
Once established, it competes with Berseem, lowers the nutritional quality of the fodder, and contaminates the harvested seed lot.
Thus, Statement (I) is correct.
Let us evaluate Statement (II):
Berseem and chicory seeds are both very small and share similar physical dimensions, weights, and buoyancy profiles.
During harvest and threshing, these small chicory seeds easily mix with the Berseem seeds.
Because their physical properties are so similar, separating them using standard seed cleaning machinery (such as sieves or blowers) is extremely difficult, resulting in a contaminated seed admixture.
Thus, Statement (II) is correct and explains why chicory is classified as an objectionable weed in Berseem. Step 2: Final Answer:
Statement (I) is correct, and Statement (II) is the correct explanation of Statement (I).
