Chickpea Growth Control Challenge Quiz

Assess your understanding of growth retardants used in chickpea agriculture, including their mechanisms, applications, and effects. Tackle scenarios and practical considerations relevant to chickpea crop management.

1. Mechanism of Growth Retardants

   Which primary physiological process do most chickpea growth retardants directly inhibit to control excessive stem elongation?

   1. Gibberellin synthesis
   2. Nitrogen fixation
   3. Chlorophyll formation
   4. Photosynthesis

   Explanation: Most growth retardants function by inhibiting gibberellin synthesis, which directly reduces stem elongation in chickpea plants. Photosynthesis and chlorophyll formation are not directly targeted by these compounds. While nitrogen fixation is crucial for chickpeas, it is not the main process affected by growth retardants.

2. Application Timing

   At which growth stage is it generally recommended to apply growth retardants to chickpea crops for best results?

   1. During seed germination
   2. Vegetative stage before flowering
   3. At harvest
   4. After pod filling

   Explanation: Applying growth retardants during the vegetative stage before flowering optimizes control of stem elongation and promotes better pod set. Using them during seed germination or at harvest can negatively impact plant development. Application after pod filling offers little benefit for growth control.

3. Potential Benefit

   What is a key agronomic benefit of using growth retardants in chickpea cultivation under high rainfall or irrigated conditions?

   1. Improved soil fertility
   2. Faster maturity
   3. Decreased lodging risk
   4. Enhanced seed size

   Explanation: Growth retardants help shorten and strengthen plant stems, reducing the risk of lodging, especially under lush growth conditions. They do not directly enhance seed size, accelerate maturity, or improve soil fertility.

4. Example of Growth Retardant

   Which of the following substances is commonly used as a growth retardant in chickpea agriculture?

   1. Glyphosate
   2. Potassium sulfate
   3. Chlormequat chloride
   4. Urea

   Explanation: Chlormequat chloride is a well-known growth retardant used to manage chickpea height. Urea is a nitrogen fertilizer, glyphosate is an herbicide, and potassium sulfate is a nutrient source, not a growth retardant.

5. Possible Side Effect

   What negative impact may occur if chickpea growth retardants are excessively applied or used at improper timings?

   1. Stronger flavor in seeds
   2. Reduced pod and seed yield
   3. Better root development
   4. Increased pest resistance

   Explanation: Excessive or mistimed use of growth retardants can overly suppress plant growth, leading to reduced yield of pods and seeds. They do not promote pest resistance, alter seed flavor, or typically improve root development.