Question

Which fruit plant is suited mostly in the arid zone of India?

• A. Banana
• B. Guava
• C. Mango
• D. Ber

Hint:

Drought-hardy fruit crops with summer dormancy (like Ber and Pomegranate) are always the preferred choices for arid and semi-arid regional planning.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Arid zones of India are characterized by low rainfall, extremely high temperatures, sandy soils, and high rate of evapotranspiration.
Crops grown in these regions must possess high drought resistance and survival adaptations.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate the suitability of the listed fruit plants:
Banana requires high moisture, continuous watering, and is highly sensitive to hot, dry winds.
Mango and Guava are subtropical/tropical plants that require moderate to high water supply and fail to thrive in extreme deserts without intensive irrigation.
Ber (Ziziphus mauritiana), also known as the "poor man's apple," is extraordinarily drought-hardy.
It has a deep taproot system that can access deep water tables, and a thick, waxy leaf cuticle to minimize transpiration.
Crucially, Ber undergoes summer dormancy by shedding its leaves during the peak dry months, completing its growth and fruiting during the rainy and winter seasons.
This makes Ber the most suitable fruit plant for the arid zone of India.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Ber is the fruit plant most suited for the arid zone of India.