Question

Read the given statements about ashwagandha and choose correct statements :
A. It is hardy and drought tolerant crop.
B. Ashwagandha belongs to Solaceae family.
C. Seeds and roots have medicil value.
D. Commercially ashwagandha is propagated by cutting.
E. Seed rate is 10 - 12 kg/ha.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

• A. A, B, C, E only
• B. A, C, D, E only
• C. A, B, C, D only
• D. B, C, D, E only

Hint:

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) Key Points:
- Family: Solaceae.
- Propagated by SEED ($10--12\text{ kg/ha}$ broadcast).
- Active Alkaloids: Withaferin-A & Withanolides in roots.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks to evaluate five statements regarding Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) to select the correct group of true statements.

Step 2: Evaluation of Statements:

• Statement A: True. Ashwagandha is an extremely hardy, drought-tolerant subtropical dryland medicil crop.
• Statement B: True. It belongs to the nightshade family Solaceae.
• Statement C: True. The dried roots (rich in withanolides) and seeds possess major therapeutic/pharmacological value.
• Statement D: False. Ashwagandha is commercially propagated strictly through seeds (either direct broadcasting or nursery transplanting), NOT stem cuttings.
• Statement E: True. The standard seed rate for direct field broadcasting is $10--12\text{ kg/ha}$.

Step 3: Detailed Explation:

• Statements A, B, C, and E are facts in medicil crop production.
• Statement D is false because seed propagation is economical, highly successful, and standard across dryland production belts (e.g., MP and Rajasthan).
• Thus, the valid combition is A, B, C, E only.

Step 4: Fil Answer:
The correct statements are A, B, C, E only, corresponding to option (A).