Explore key facts about little millet varieties, their characteristics, and uses in agriculture. Broaden your knowledge of this important minor millet crop with fundamental questions.
Which of the following is a widely cultivated variety of little millet in India?
Explanation: CO 4 is a well-known improved variety of little millet suitable for cultivation in India. IR 64 and PBW 343 are rice and wheat varieties, respectively. PS 5, though similar-sounding, is not a recognized little millet variety.
What is the typical maturity duration (days) for most improved little millet varieties?
Explanation: Most improved little millet varieties mature in about 90-100 days, making them suitable for short growing seasons. 45-55 days is too short for little millet; 150-160 and 180-200 days are much longer than required.
Which trait is especially desirable when selecting a little millet variety for drought-prone areas?
Explanation: Early maturity allows crops to complete their life cycle before severe drought occurs, enhancing survival. Tall plants may lodge, large leaves can increase water loss, and late flowering exposes the crop to more drought stress.
Some little millet varieties are developed for resistance against which common disease?
Explanation: Smut is a major fungal disease affecting little millet, so disease-resistant varieties are bred specifically to combat it. Leaf rust, bacterial blight, and downy mildew are more common in other crops.
Which state in India is noted for cultivating specific improved varieties of little millet due to local adaptation?
Explanation: Tamil Nadu is recognized for cultivating locally adapted improved varieties such as CO 4. Punjab is known for wheat, Bihar for rice, and Kerala has limited little millet cultivation compared to Tamil Nadu.