Mango Tree Cultivation Quiz

Mango Tree Cultivation

• Mango trees take 8-10 years to produce fruit
• Different mango tree varieties exist
• Ask elders for information on how long it takes saplings to bear fruit
• Consider expectations when planting and nurturing mango saplings

Seeds and Planting Materials

• Goals of fruit cultivation are similar to those for vegetables or cereals (yield quickly, plenty, good quality)
• Good quality seeds/planting materials are crucial
• "vithu gunam pathu gunam" is a proverb relating to seed quality
• Observe pictures to answer questions on seeds and fruits
• Factors to consider when selecting seeds (shape, weight, size, seed coat)

Plant Selection for Seed Collection

• Fruits from the middle of a plant's lifespan are ideal for seed collection
• Not all seeds from a fruit are suitable for seedlings
• Factors for selecting good seeds include shape, weight, seed coat, size and normal shape
• Select low yielding, high yielding, healthy plants, infected, or stunted growth plants for a clear understanding
• Consider fruit ripeness and quality for seed collection

Vegetative Propagation and Sexual Reproduction

• New plants can be formed from parts like roots, stems, leaves, and underground stems
• This asexual reproduction process is called vegetative propagation
• Sexual reproduction produces seeds that also sprout
• Examine various examples of vegetative and sexual propagation

Layering

• Layering is a method of plant propagation where roots are induced on the stem of a mother plant before cutting and planting
• Stages include selecting a stem, applying a mixture (cocopeat, soil, cow dung) and wrapping the area with polythene bag.
• Roots will grow in 2 months; cut the stem and plant it for growth

Grafting

• Grafting involves joining the stem of one plant to the rootstock of a different plant, to produce a new plant with the desired qualities
• Selecting a rootstock and scion from plants which are suitable
• Cut the rootstock and make a tapered cut on both sides of the scion and insert the scion into the rootstock and bind it
• Grafting creates a new plant with qualities of both plants involved

Budding

• New plants are produced by joining the bud of a superior quality plant to the rootstock of another plant of the same species
• This method involves several stages, including choosing a bud, removing bark from a portion of the rootstock and attaching the bud with polythene tape
• Budding is suitable for plants that sprout easily

Hybridization

• Hybridization involves combining the qualities of different plants
• Two plants of the same species can combine their qualities by artificial pollination to yield hybrid seeds
• Observe pollination methods (self or cross) to understand combining qualities effectively
• Choose appropriate pollination method for producing desired qualities in the plant

Artificial Pollination

• To prevent self-pollination, one needs to remove stamens
• The flower is wrapped to prevent external pollen from falling on it
• Pollen from different species is collected and deposited on flower stigma
• The flower is wrapped to prevent pollination from other flowers
• Determine the best time for artificially pollinating flowers for successful plant production

Agricultural Research Centers

• Research centers like KAU, CTCRI, RRII, and CPCRI conduct research, develop high-yielding varieties, and conduct related activities.
• Some research centers focus on crops like coconut, arecanut, and cocoa others on tubers

Fertile Soil and Pest Control

• Proper fertilizer application, like cow dung, urea, or compost, is essential for better crop yield
• Organic and chemical fertilizers have varying requirements
• Pest infestation can be controlled using biological, mechanical, or chemical methods
• Important factors to consider when growing crops.

Other Agricultural Sectors

• Agriculture encompasses various sectors beyond cultivating plants
• Other agricultural sectors involve rearing animals (cattle, poultry, rabbits), growing flowers (floriculture), and cultivating mushrooms (or other similar crops).
• Farming includes various tasks, from seed production to pest control.