Question

Match List-I with List-II with suitable polliniser for apple varieties

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• (A) - (I), (B) - (II), (C) - (III), (D) - (IV)
• (A) - (III), (B) - (IV), (C) - (I), (D) - (II)
• (A) - (I), (B) - (II), (C) - (IV), (D) - (III)
• (A) - (II), (B) - (III), (C) - (IV), (D) - (I)

Hint:

Remember that Red Delicious (C-III) is the classic and highly compatible polliniser choice for the McIntosh apple variety in traditional North American and temperate orchards.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Most commercial apple (Malus domestica) cultivars are self-incompatible due to a multi-allelic gametophytic self-incompatibility (S-allele) system.
To ensure adequate pollination, fertilization, and fruit set, commercial apple orchards must be interplanted with compatible “polliniser” varieties.
A suitable polliniser must produce abundant, viable, and genetically compatible pollen, and its blooming period must overlap with the main commercial variety.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate the specific compatibility pairings between the main cultivars (List-I) and their standard compatible pollinisers (List-II):
(A) Gala:
Gala is a popular, sweet diploid apple variety originating from New Zealand.
It is pollinated effectively by “Stark Summer” (and other compatible early-to-mid season bloomers).
Thus, (A) matches with (I).
(B) Greensleeves:
Greensleeves is a green-skinned English apple variety.
It is highly compatible with the cultivar “Kent”, which belongs to the same flowering group and provides synchronous pollen release.
Thus, (B) matches with (II).
(C) McIntosh:
McIntosh is a red-skinned, soft-fleshed apple variety popular in cooler climates.
It has excellent cross-compatibility with the widely grown “Red Delicious” apple, which serves as a highly effective polliniser.
Thus, (C) matches with (III).
(D) Spartan:
Spartan is a sweet, dark-red Canadian apple variety derived from McIntosh.
It is highly compatible with “Cox's Orange Pippin” (often spelled pipin), sharing a well-aligned mid-to-late season blooming interval.
Thus, (D) matches with (IV).
Combining these pairs yields the sequence: (A) - (I), (B) - (II), (C) - (III), (D) - (IV).

Step 3: Final Answer:
Therefore, the correct match is represented by option (A).