Crop Production (Kharif & Rabi) - MCQ Series 3

Crop Production (Kharif & Rabi)-MCQ Series 3


A. General & Crop Botany (5 MCQs)

1. Maize belongs to the family:

A. Leguminosae
B. Gramineae
C. Solanaceae
D. Cruciferae

Answer: B. Gramineae
Explanation:
Maize is a cereal crop belonging to the Gramineae (Poaceae) family, same as wheat and rice (ICAR – Principles of Agronomy).


2. Maize is classified as a:

A. Short-day plant
B. Long-day plant
C. Day-neutral plant
D. Shade-loving plant

Answer: C. Day-neutral plant
Explanation:
Maize flowering is not affected by day length, hence classified as a day-neutral crop (ICAR).


3. Economic part of maize is:

A. Root
B. Stem
C. Leaf
D. Grain

Answer: D. Grain
Explanation:
Maize is grown mainly for grains, though fodder and industrial uses are also important.


4. Maize is predominantly a:

A. Rabi crop
B. Kharif crop
C. Zaid crop
D. Perennial crop

Answer: B. Kharif crop
Explanation:
In India, maize is mainly grown during Kharif season (June–July) under monsoon rainfall.


5. Pollination in maize is:

A. Self-pollination
B. Cross-pollination
C. Cleistogamy
D. Apomixis

Answer: B. Cross-pollination
Explanation:
Maize is highly cross-pollinated (≈95%), due to separate male (tassel) and female (ear) flowers.


B. Climate & Soil Requirements (5 MCQs)

6. Optimum temperature for maize growth is:

A. 10–15°C
B. 15–20°C
C. 25–30°C
D. 35–40°C

Answer: C. 25–30°C
Explanation:
Maize performs best under warm conditions with optimum growth at 25–30°C.


7. Maize is highly sensitive to:

A. Drought
B. Waterlogging
C. Frost
D. Shade

Answer: B. Waterlogging
Explanation:
Maize roots require aeration; waterlogging causes oxygen stress, leading to poor growth.


8. Best soil for maize cultivation is:

A. Heavy clay
B. Sandy soil
C. Well-drained loam soil
D. Marshy soil

Answer: C. Well-drained loam soil
Explanation:
ICAR recommends deep, fertile, well-drained loam soils for optimum maize yield.


9. Optimum soil pH for maize is:

A. 4.0–5.0
B. 5.0–5.5
C. 6.0–7.5
D. 8.5–9.0

Answer: C. 6.0–7.5
Explanation:
Neutral to slightly acidic soils favor nutrient availability in maize.


10. Maize is mainly grown as:

A. Rainfed crop
B. Irrigated crop
C. Dryland crop
D. Perennial crop

Answer: A. Rainfed crop
Explanation:
In India, maize is largely grown under rainfed Kharif conditions.


C. Varieties, Seed & Sowing (10 MCQs)

11. Recommended sowing time of Kharif maize is:

A. April–May
B. June–July
C. August–September
D. October–November

Answer: B. June–July
Explanation:
Maize sowing coincides with onset of monsoon.


12. Recommended seed rate for hybrid maize is:

A. 5–8 kg/ha
B. 10–12 kg/ha
C. 18–20 kg/ha
D. 30–35 kg/ha

Answer: C. 18–20 kg/ha
Explanation:
Hybrid maize requires optimum plant population, hence moderate seed rate (ICAR POP).


13. Recommended spacing for maize is:

A. 30 × 10 cm
B. 45 × 15 cm
C. 60 × 20 cm
D. 90 × 30 cm

Answer: C. 60 × 20 cm
Explanation:
Ensures proper sunlight, aeration, and nutrient use efficiency.


14. Method of sowing recommended for maize is:

A. Broadcasting
B. Transplanting
C. Dibbling
D. Ridge and furrow

Answer: C. Dibbling
Explanation:
Dibbling ensures uniform depth and spacing, leading to better germination.


15. Seed treatment in maize is done mainly to control:

A. Insect pests
B. Viral diseases
C. Seed and soil-borne diseases
D. Weeds

Answer: C. Seed and soil-borne diseases
Explanation:
ICAR recommends fungicide seed treatment to prevent seedling mortality.


D. Nutrient Management (10 MCQs)

16. Maize is considered a:

A. Low nutrient demanding crop
B. Moderate feeder
C. Heavy feeder
D. Nitrogen fixer

Answer: C. Heavy feeder
Explanation:
Maize has high nutrient demand, especially nitrogen.


17. Recommended NPK dose for maize is:

A. 60:30:30 kg/ha
B. 80:40:40 kg/ha
C. 120:60:40 kg/ha
D. 150:75:75 kg/ha

Answer: C. 120:60:40 kg/ha
Explanation:
Standard ICAR recommendation for high-yielding hybrids.


18. Nitrogen in maize is applied in:

A. Single basal dose
B. Two splits
C. Three splits
D. Foliar spray only

Answer: C. Three splits
Explanation:
Applied at basal, knee-high, and tasseling stages to improve efficiency.


19. Zinc deficiency in maize causes:

A. Yellowing of older leaves
B. White banding on leaves
C. Leaf rolling
D. Lodging

Answer: B. White banding on leaves
Explanation:
Zinc deficiency is common in maize, corrected by ZnSO₄.


20. Organic manure application improves:

A. Only yield
B. Soil structure and fertility
C. Pest resistance only
D. Weed control

Answer: B. Soil structure and fertility
Explanation:
FYM improves soil health and nutrient availability.


E. Water, Weed & Pest Management (10 MCQs)

21. Most critical stage of irrigation in maize is:

A. Germination
B. Knee-high stage
C. Flowering
D. Grain filling

Answer: C. Flowering
Explanation:
Water stress during flowering causes poor pollination and yield loss.


22. Critical period of weed competition in maize is:

A. 0–10 DAS
B. 15–30 DAS
C. 30–45 DAS
D. 60–75 DAS

Answer: C. 30–45 DAS
Explanation:
Weeds during this period severely reduce yield.


23. Atrazine is used for control of:

A. Insect pests
B. Broad-leaf and grassy weeds
C. Fungal diseases
D. Rodents

Answer: B. Broad-leaf and grassy weeds
Explanation:
Atrazine is a pre-emergence herbicide widely recommended by ICAR.


24. Fall armyworm is a:

A. Weed
B. Disease
C. Insect pest
D. Nematode

Answer: C. Insect pest
Explanation:
FAW is a major leaf-feeding pest of maize in India.


25. Integrated Pest Management includes:

A. Chemical control only
B. Cultural + biological + chemical methods
C. Fertilizer management
D. Irrigation scheduling

Answer: B
Explanation:
ICAR promotes IPM for sustainable pest control.


F. Growth, Yield & Harvest (15 MCQs)

26. Maize flowering is indicated by:

A. Ear emergence
B. Tasseling
C. Silking
D. Maturity

Answer: B. Tasseling
Explanation:
Tasseling indicates male flowering stage.


27. Yield of maize depends on:

A. Number of cobs
B. Number of grains per cob
C. Test weight
D. All of the above

Answer: D
Explanation:
Yield is a function of multiple yield attributes.


28. Harvesting stage of maize is when grains are:

A. Milky
B. Dough
C. Hard with black layer
D. Green

Answer: C
Explanation:
Physiological maturity is indicated by black layer formation.


29. Moisture content of maize grain at harvest should be around:

A. 5–8%
B. 10–12%
C. 20–25%
D. 30–35%

Answer: C
Explanation:
Harvest at 20–25% moisture avoids shattering and damage.


30. Average grain yield of hybrid maize is:

A. 15–20 q/ha
B. 25–30 q/ha
C. 40–60 q/ha
D. 80–100 q/ha

Answer: C
Explanation:
Under good management, hybrids yield 40–60 q/ha.

A. General & Crop Botany (5 MCQs)

1. Maize belongs to the family:

A. Leguminosae
B. Gramineae
C. Solanaceae
D. Cruciferae

Answer: B. Gramineae
Explanation:
Maize is a cereal crop belonging to the Gramineae (Poaceae) family, same as wheat and rice (ICAR – Principles of Agronomy).


2. Maize is classified as a:

A. Short-day plant
B. Long-day plant
C. Day-neutral plant
D. Shade-loving plant

Answer: C. Day-neutral plant
Explanation:
Maize flowering is not affected by day length, hence classified as a day-neutral crop (ICAR).


3. Economic part of maize is:

A. Root
B. Stem
C. Leaf
D. Grain

Answer: D. Grain
Explanation:
Maize is grown mainly for grains, though fodder and industrial uses are also important.


4. Maize is predominantly a:

A. Rabi crop
B. Kharif crop
C. Zaid crop
D. Perennial crop

Answer: B. Kharif crop
Explanation:
In India, maize is mainly grown during Kharif season (June–July) under monsoon rainfall.


5. Pollination in maize is:

A. Self-pollination
B. Cross-pollination
C. Cleistogamy
D. Apomixis

Answer: B. Cross-pollination
Explanation:
Maize is highly cross-pollinated (≈95%), due to separate male (tassel) and female (ear) flowers.


B. Climate & Soil Requirements (5 MCQs)

6. Optimum temperature for maize growth is:

A. 10–15°C
B. 15–20°C
C. 25–30°C
D. 35–40°C

Answer: C. 25–30°C
Explanation:
Maize performs best under warm conditions with optimum growth at 25–30°C.


7. Maize is highly sensitive to:

A. Drought
B. Waterlogging
C. Frost
D. Shade

Answer: B. Waterlogging
Explanation:
Maize roots require aeration; waterlogging causes oxygen stress, leading to poor growth.


8. Best soil for maize cultivation is:

A. Heavy clay
B. Sandy soil
C. Well-drained loam soil
D. Marshy soil

Answer: C. Well-drained loam soil
Explanation:
ICAR recommends deep, fertile, well-drained loam soils for optimum maize yield.


9. Optimum soil pH for maize is:

A. 4.0–5.0
B. 5.0–5.5
C. 6.0–7.5
D. 8.5–9.0

Answer: C. 6.0–7.5
Explanation:
Neutral to slightly acidic soils favor nutrient availability in maize.


10. Maize is mainly grown as:

A. Rainfed crop
B. Irrigated crop
C. Dryland crop
D. Perennial crop

Answer: A. Rainfed crop
Explanation:
In India, maize is largely grown under rainfed Kharif conditions.


C. Varieties, Seed & Sowing (10 MCQs)

11. Recommended sowing time of Kharif maize is:

A. April–May
B. June–July
C. August–September
D. October–November

Answer: B. June–July
Explanation:
Maize sowing coincides with onset of monsoon.


12. Recommended seed rate for hybrid maize is:

A. 5–8 kg/ha
B. 10–12 kg/ha
C. 18–20 kg/ha
D. 30–35 kg/ha

Answer: C. 18–20 kg/ha
Explanation:
Hybrid maize requires optimum plant population, hence moderate seed rate (ICAR POP).


13. Recommended spacing for maize is:

A. 30 × 10 cm
B. 45 × 15 cm
C. 60 × 20 cm
D. 90 × 30 cm

Answer: C. 60 × 20 cm
Explanation:
Ensures proper sunlight, aeration, and nutrient use efficiency.


14. Method of sowing recommended for maize is:

A. Broadcasting
B. Transplanting
C. Dibbling
D. Ridge and furrow

Answer: C. Dibbling
Explanation:
Dibbling ensures uniform depth and spacing, leading to better germination.


15. Seed treatment in maize is done mainly to control:

A. Insect pests
B. Viral diseases
C. Seed and soil-borne diseases
D. Weeds

Answer: C. Seed and soil-borne diseases
Explanation:
ICAR recommends fungicide seed treatment to prevent seedling mortality.


D. Nutrient Management (10 MCQs)

16. Maize is considered a:

A. Low nutrient demanding crop
B. Moderate feeder
C. Heavy feeder
D. Nitrogen fixer

Answer: C. Heavy feeder
Explanation:
Maize has high nutrient demand, especially nitrogen.


17. Recommended NPK dose for maize is:

A. 60:30:30 kg/ha
B. 80:40:40 kg/ha
C. 120:60:40 kg/ha
D. 150:75:75 kg/ha

Answer: C. 120:60:40 kg/ha
Explanation:
Standard ICAR recommendation for high-yielding hybrids.


18. Nitrogen in maize is applied in:

A. Single basal dose
B. Two splits
C. Three splits
D. Foliar spray only

Answer: C. Three splits
Explanation:
Applied at basal, knee-high, and tasseling stages to improve efficiency.


19. Zinc deficiency in maize causes:

A. Yellowing of older leaves
B. White banding on leaves
C. Leaf rolling
D. Lodging

Answer: B. White banding on leaves
Explanation:
Zinc deficiency is common in maize, corrected by ZnSO₄.


20. Organic manure application improves:

A. Only yield
B. Soil structure and fertility
C. Pest resistance only
D. Weed control

Answer: B. Soil structure and fertility
Explanation:
FYM improves soil health and nutrient availability.


E. Water, Weed & Pest Management (10 MCQs)

21. Most critical stage of irrigation in maize is:

A. Germination
B. Knee-high stage
C. Flowering
D. Grain filling

Answer: C. Flowering
Explanation:
Water stress during flowering causes poor pollination and yield loss.


22. Critical period of weed competition in maize is:

A. 0–10 DAS
B. 15–30 DAS
C. 30–45 DAS
D. 60–75 DAS

Answer: C. 30–45 DAS
Explanation:
Weeds during this period severely reduce yield.


23. Atrazine is used for control of:

A. Insect pests
B. Broad-leaf and grassy weeds
C. Fungal diseases
D. Rodents

Answer: B. Broad-leaf and grassy weeds
Explanation:
Atrazine is a pre-emergence herbicide widely recommended by ICAR.


24. Fall armyworm is a:

A. Weed
B. Disease
C. Insect pest
D. Nematode

Answer: C. Insect pest
Explanation:
FAW is a major leaf-feeding pest of maize in India.


25. Integrated Pest Management includes:

A. Chemical control only
B. Cultural + biological + chemical methods
C. Fertilizer management
D. Irrigation scheduling

Answer: B
Explanation:
ICAR promotes IPM for sustainable pest control.


F. Growth, Yield & Harvest (15 MCQs)

26. Maize flowering is indicated by:

A. Ear emergence
B. Tasseling
C. Silking
D. Maturity

Answer: B. Tasseling
Explanation:
Tasseling indicates male flowering stage.


27. Yield of maize depends on:

A. Number of cobs
B. Number of grains per cob
C. Test weight
D. All of the above

Answer: D
Explanation:
Yield is a function of multiple yield attributes.


28. Harvesting stage of maize is when grains are:

A. Milky
B. Dough
C. Hard with black layer
D. Green

Answer: C
Explanation:
Physiological maturity is indicated by black layer formation.


29. Moisture content of maize grain at harvest should be around:

A. 5–8%
B. 10–12%
C. 20–25%
D. 30–35%

Answer: C
Explanation:
Harvest at 20–25% moisture avoids shattering and damage.


30. Average grain yield of hybrid maize is:

A. 15–20 q/ha
B. 25–30 q/ha
C. 40–60 q/ha
D. 80–100 q/ha

Answer: C
Explanation:
Under good management, hybrids yield 40–60 q/ha.

31. The knee-high stage in maize occurs at about:

A. 10–15 DAS
B. 20–25 DAS
C. 30–35 DAS
D. 45–50 DAS

Answer: C. 30–35 DAS
Explanation:
Knee-high stage appears around 30–35 days after sowing, when rapid vegetative growth begins. It is a critical stage for nitrogen application (ICAR).


32. The most critical nutrient for maize yield is:

A. Phosphorus
B. Potassium
C. Nitrogen
D. Calcium

Answer: C. Nitrogen
Explanation:
Maize is a heavy nitrogen feeder; nitrogen strongly influences vegetative growth and grain yield.


33. Excess nitrogen in maize causes:

A. Early maturity
B. Lodging
C. Reduced leaf area
D. Poor germination

Answer: B. Lodging
Explanation:
Excess nitrogen leads to excessive vegetative growth, making plants weak and prone to lodging.


34. Which micronutrient deficiency is most common in maize?

A. Iron
B. Boron
C. Zinc
D. Copper

Answer: C. Zinc
Explanation:
Zinc deficiency is widespread in maize-growing soils, producing white or yellow bands on leaves.


35. Intercropping maize with which crop improves land use efficiency?

A. Rice
B. Wheat
C. Cowpea
D. Sugarcane

Answer: C. Cowpea
Explanation:
Legumes like cowpea improve soil fertility and system productivity, recommended under ICAR intercropping systems.


36. Detasseling in maize is practiced mainly for:

A. Weed control
B. Seed production
C. Fodder purpose
D. Disease control

Answer: B. Seed production
Explanation:
Detasseling prevents self-pollination and ensures hybrid seed purity.


37. Which growth stage is most sensitive to moisture stress in maize?

A. Vegetative stage
B. Knee-high stage
C. Flowering stage
D. Maturity stage

Answer: C. Flowering stage
Explanation:
Moisture stress during flowering causes poor pollination and grain set, leading to heavy yield loss.


38. Silking in maize refers to:

A. Male flowering
B. Female flowering
C. Grain filling
D. Physiological maturity

Answer: B. Female flowering
Explanation:
Silks are elongated stigmas of female flowers, essential for fertilization.


39. Synchronization between tasseling and silking is important for:

A. Weed control
B. Fertilizer use
C. Effective pollination
D. Harvesting

Answer: C. Effective pollination
Explanation:
Good tassel–silk synchronization ensures maximum kernel development.


40. Shelling percentage in maize usually ranges between:

A. 40–50%
B. 50–60%
C. 65–75%
D. 85–95%

Answer: C. 65–75%
Explanation:
Shelling percentage indicates grain recovery and is normally 65–75% in maize.


41. Harvest index of maize is approximately:

A. 0.20
B. 0.30
C. 0.45
D. 0.60

Answer: C. 0.45
Explanation:
Harvest index represents grain proportion in total biomass; maize has an HI of about 0.45.


42. Black layer formation in maize indicates:

A. Milk stage
B. Dough stage
C. Physiological maturity
D. Harvest maturity

Answer: C. Physiological maturity
Explanation:
Black layer formation marks cessation of nutrient movement to grain.


43. Test weight in maize refers to weight of:

A. 100 grains
B. 500 grains
C. 1000 grains
D. 1 quintal grains

Answer: C. 1000 grains
Explanation:
Test weight (1000-grain weight) is an important yield attribute.


44. Fodder maize should be harvested at:

A. Milk stage
B. Dough stage
C. Physiological maturity
D. Dry stage

Answer: A. Milk stage
Explanation:
Milk stage provides maximum digestibility and nutrient content for fodder.


45. Which practice reduces lodging in maize?

A. High nitrogen dose
B. Wider spacing
C. Balanced fertilization
D. Late sowing

Answer: C. Balanced fertilization
Explanation:
Proper NPK balance strengthens stalks and reduces lodging.


46. Maize is classified as a:

A. C3 plant
B. C4 plant
C. CAM plant
D. Intermediate plant

Answer: B. C4 plant
Explanation:
Maize follows C4 photosynthetic pathway, making it efficient under high light and temperature.


47. Maize requires maximum nutrients during:

A. Germination stage
B. Vegetative stage
C. Reproductive stage
D. Maturity stage

Answer: B. Vegetative stage
Explanation:
Rapid vegetative growth demands high nutrients, especially nitrogen.


48. Crop duration of most maize hybrids is:

A. 60–70 days
B. 80–90 days
C. 100–120 days
D. 150–180 days

Answer: C. 100–120 days
Explanation:
Most hybrids mature in 100–120 days depending on season and variety.


49. Maize straw is mainly used as:

A. Fuel only
B. Green manure
C. Fodder
D. Compost only

Answer: C. Fodder
Explanation:
Maize stover is a valuable fodder source for livestock.


50. Main objective of earthing-up in maize is:

A. Weed control only
B. Moisture conservation
C. Support plant and prevent lodging
D. Improve germination

Answer: C. Support plant and prevent lodging
Explanation:
Earthing-up strengthens root anchorage and improves plant stability.



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