Potato Growth Retardants Quiz Quiz

Explore the science and application of plant growth regulators used to manage potato crop growth. This quiz examines types, effects, and best practices related to growth retardants in potato agriculture.

1. Role of Growth Retardants

   Which of the following is the main reason for applying growth retardants to potato crops during the vegetative stage?

   1. To reduce excessive stem elongation
   2. To eliminate tuber formation
   3. To promote early flowering
   4. To increase seed dormancy

   Explanation: Growth retardants are primarily applied to potatoes to control stem elongation and keep plants compact, which helps improve tuber quality. Eliminating tuber formation is not a desired effect in potato farming. Increasing seed dormancy and promoting early flowering are not main objectives of growth retardants in potatoes.

2. Common Chemical Used

   Which plant growth regulator is most commonly used as a growth retardant in commercial potato production?

   1. Chlormequat chloride
   2. 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid
   3. Indole-3-acetic acid
   4. Gibberellic acid

   Explanation: Chlormequat chloride is a widely used growth retardant for potatoes, controlling excessive vegetative growth. Gibberellic acid and indole-3-acetic acid are both plant growth promoters rather than retardants. 2,4-D is primarily used as a herbicide, not to regulate plant growth in potatoes.

3. Application Timing

   At what growth stage should growth retardants typically be applied to potatoes for optimal effect?

   1. After full tuber maturity
   2. Early vegetative stage
   3. Immediately at planting
   4. During dormancy

   Explanation: Application during the early vegetative stage helps manage plant size without affecting tuber initiation or maturity. Applying after full tuber maturity or during dormancy would not be effective, while immediately at planting is too early for most products to be active.

4. Effect on Yield

   What is a common benefit of using growth retardants on potato yield under suitable conditions?

   1. Guaranteed increase in all crop yields
   2. Immediate pest reduction
   3. Improved tuber size uniformity
   4. Permanent genetic change in plants

   Explanation: Growth retardants can lead to more uniform tuber sizes by managing vegetative growth, aiding in harvest and marketing. They do not guarantee increased yield in every situation, do not act as pesticides, and do not cause permanent genetic changes.

5. Possible Side Effects

   Which is a potential negative side effect of excessive growth retardant application in potato crops?

   1. Faster sprouting in storage
   2. Improved drought resistance
   3. Reduced tuber yield
   4. Enhanced soil fertility

   Explanation: Overuse of growth retardants may negatively affect tuber yield due to inhibited overall growth. They do not improve soil fertility, drought resistance, or cause faster sprouting in stored potatoes; these are incorrect associations.