Wheat Boosters Quiz Quiz

Explore how growth regulators influence wheat yield, stem strength, and crop management with these medium-difficulty questions. Assess your understanding of their roles, application timing, and effects on wheat cultivation.

1. Purpose of Growth Regulators

   What is the primary purpose of applying plant growth regulators such as chlormequat chloride in wheat cultivation?

   1. To improve soil fertility
   2. To reduce lodging by shortening stems
   3. To directly increase grain size
   4. To prevent fungal diseases

   Explanation: Growth regulators like chlormequat chloride are mainly used to reduce lodging by shortening and strengthening wheat stems. They do not directly enlarge grain size, which is influenced by genetics and nutrient availability. Soil fertility is addressed through fertilization, not growth regulators. While healthy, upright plants may have lower disease risk, growth regulators do not directly prevent fungal infections.

2. Timing of Application

   At which growth stage should wheat growth regulators typically be applied for maximum effect?

   1. After harvesting
   2. During seed sowing
   3. At full grain maturity
   4. Between stem elongation and flag leaf emergence

   Explanation: Applying growth regulators between stem elongation and flag leaf emergence allows them to effectively influence plant height and stem strength. Application at sowing is ineffective since growth has not begun. Treatment at full grain maturity or after harvesting serves no purpose for stem strengthening.

3. Risk of Overuse

   What is a possible consequence of applying excessive doses of wheat growth regulators?

   1. Resistance to insect pests
   2. Higher photosynthesis rates
   3. Enhanced root development
   4. Stunted plant growth and reduced yield

   Explanation: Too much growth regulator can overly suppress stem elongation, causing stunted growth and sometimes lower yield. Enhanced root development and photosynthesis are not typical direct results of overdosing, and growth regulators do not provide pest resistance.

4. Environmental Impact

   How can improper use of wheat growth regulators negatively affect the environment?

   1. Increase in air temperature
   2. Possible runoff contaminating nearby water bodies
   3. Rise in soil pH
   4. Promotion of beneficial insects

   Explanation: Improper use or overapplication may cause regulator chemicals to run off into water bodies, affecting aquatic life. These substances do not raise air temperature, change soil pH, or directly encourage beneficial insects.

5. Plant Height Effects

   Which outcome is most directly associated with the correct use of wheat growth regulators?

   1. Increase in leaf width
   2. Reduced requirement for irrigation
   3. Change in wheat grain color
   4. Shorter, sturdier stems with less lodging

   Explanation: Growth regulators are designed to shorten and strengthen wheat stems, which reduces lodging risk. They do not affect grain color, irrigation needs, or leaf width directly.