Discover key facts about arecanut cultivation and characteristics in horticulture. This easy quiz covers the basics of arecanut botany, uses, planting, and growing conditions.
What is the scientific name of the plant commonly known as arecanut in agriculture?
Explanation: Areca catechu is the correct scientific name for arecanut. Cocos nucifera is the coconut palm, Elaeis guineensis is oil palm, and Phoenix dactylifera refers to the date palm. Each name belongs to a different important tropical crop.
Which part of the arecanut plant is primarily used for chewing and in traditional medicine?
Explanation: The seed of the arecanut plant is harvested, processed, and used for chewing. The leaf is sometimes used for plates or wrapping, roots are not typically utilized, and flowers are not the primary product.
What type of climate is most suitable for arecanut cultivation according to horticultural practices?
Explanation: Arecanut grows best in warm, humid tropical climates with adequate rainfall. Cool temperate, desert, and cold mountainous climates do not support healthy arecanut growth due to unsuitable temperatures and moisture levels.
For optimal growth, what is the standard recommended spacing (distance) between arecanut palms when planting in a field?
Explanation: A spacing of 2.7 meters x 2.7 meters allows proper root and canopy development in arecanut plantations. Closer planting (1x1 m or 0.5x0.5 m) leads to overcrowding, while 5x5 m is unnecessarily wide for this crop.
Which is the most common traditional use of arecanut seeds in many Asian cultures?
Explanation: Chewing arecanut seeds wrapped in betel leaf is a widespread custom in many Asian countries. The seeds are not used for bread flour, oil extraction, or alcoholic fermentation in traditional practices.