Question

The procedure for taking 'field count' in broadly spaced crops such as cotton, chilies, castor, etc. includes the below-mentioned activities. Choose the most appropriate group of activities-
(A). Enter the seed plot from a randomly selected site
(B). Inspect 1000 plants in any row
(C). Move across the seed plot covering all portions and take the requisite number of counts on the basis of the area of the seed plot
(D). Record in the inspection report the number of contaminants observed in each count
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (A), (B) and (C) only.
• B. (A), (B) and (D) only.
• C. (A), (C) and (D) only.
• D. (B), (C) and (D) only.

Hint:

To ensure statistical validity in seed certification field inspections, counts must be distributed randomly across the entire field.
Inspecting plants along a single row is a biased sampling method and is never permitted.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Field inspection is a critical step in seed certification, used to verify that the seed crop conforms to minimum genetic purity standards.
This is done by taking random "field counts" to estimate the percentage of off-types, pollen shedders, diseased plants, and objectionable weeds present in the seed plot.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate the standard field inspection procedures for widely spaced crops (like cotton, chili, and castor):
- Activity (A) is correct: To avoid bias, the inspector must enter the field from a randomly selected point rather than a convenient entrance or edge.
- Activity (B) is incorrect: Inspecting plants in only one single row (even if it contains 1000 plants) violates the principle of random sampling.
It does not account for the spatial distribution of contaminants across different parts of the field.
Additionally, for broadly spaced crops, the total number of plants counted per field count is typically smaller (e.g., 100 plants per count over 5 locations, making 500 plants total), rather than 1000 plants in a single row.
- Activity (C) is correct: The inspector must walk across the field in a go-pattern (such as an X, S, or Z shape) to ensure all areas are covered.
The number of random counts taken depends on the total acreage of the seed plot.
- Activity (D) is correct: During each random count, the inspector must record the exact number of contaminants (off-types, diseased plants, or weeds) observed, which is used to calculate the percentage of contamination.
Therefore, activities (A), (C), and (D) are correct, while (B) is incorrect.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct option is (C) (A), (C) and (D) only.