Question

Given below are two statements
Statement I: Pusa Snowball is a variety of cauliflower and its elite part is curd
Statement II: Whiptail of cauliflower is due to deficiency of Boron
In the light of above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below

• A. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct
• B. Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect
• C. Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
• D. Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct

Hint:

The edible part of cauliflower is the curd (Pusa Snowball is a common variety). Whiptail is a classic diagnostic symptom of molybdenum (Mo) deficiency, not boron (B) deficiency.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
To evaluate these statements, we must analyze cauliflower crop varieties, their edible components, and the physiological disorders caused by specific micronutrient deficiencies.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze each statement individually:
1. Statement I describes the Pusa Snowball variety.
Pusa Snowball (specifically Pusa Snowball-1) is a popular, late-maturing variety of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) developed by IARI.
The edible portion (elite part) of cauliflower is the curd, which is an immature, dense head of flower buds.
Thus, Statement I is correct.
2. Statement II describes the whiptail disorder.
Whiptail is a classic physiological disorder in cauliflower characterized by the restriction of leaf blade development.
The leaves become thin, strap-like, and resemble whips, leaving only the midrib intact.
This disorder is caused specifically by a deficiency of the micronutrient molybdenum (Mo), which is common in highly acidic soils.
Boron deficiency in cauliflower causes a different disorder called "hollow stem" or "browning of curd."
Therefore, stating that whiptail is due to boron deficiency is incorrect.
Thus, Statement II is incorrect.
Therefore, Statement I is correct, and Statement II is incorrect.

Step 3: Final Answer
Statement I is correct, but Statement II is incorrect.