Question:

Topping is done to restrict _________ growth of seedlings

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Topping is a physical height-control method used in nurseries to prevent seedlings from becoming "leggy" or thin, improving their field establishment success.
  • Root
  • Height
  • Collar
  • Diameter
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Seedling conditioning in forest nurseries includes mechanical treatments designed to modify seedling morphology.
These treatments ensure that seedlings are sturdy, balanced, and structurally prepared for the challenging conditions of field planting sites.

Step 2: Detailed Explation:

Let us alyze the purpose and process of topping:
- Topping: This is the physical removal or cutting of the apical shoot or upper portion of a seedling's main stem in the nursery bed.
- Removing the apical bud disrupts apical domince, which stops further vertical elongation of the stem.
- This directly restricts the height growth of the seedlings, preventing them from becoming tall, spindly, and prone to wind damage.
- This treatment redirects the plant's resources and photosynthates toward lateral bud development, stem diameter growth (collar diameter), and root mass production.
- This results in sturdier seedlings with a balanced shoot-to-root ratio, improving their survival rates under field conditions.
- Topping does not restrict root, collar, or diameter growth; instead, it promotes them by redirecting growth resources.

Step 3: Fil Answer:

Topping is performed primarily to restrict the height growth of nursery seedlings.
Hence, the correct option is (B).
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