33 Questions
What is the definition of a crop?
Any cultivated plant, fungus or algae harvested for economic use
Which of the following is NOT a major crop grown in Ireland?
Maize
What is the primary use of feed cereals in Irish tillage?
For animal feed
Which type of plant is better suited for dry and warm climates?
C4 plants
What is the meaning of the term 'LAI' in the context of crops?
Leaf Area Index, which measures the proportion of leaf material relative to ground area
What is the main improvement in cereal crops due to traditional plant breeding?
Reduced plant height and more grains
Which trait in wheat causes seed to be shed at the time of ripening?
Brittle rachis
What is the definition of harvest index?
Economic yield divided by biological yield
Where was Brassica oleracea first domesticated?
Mediterranean
Which of the following is not a morphology of Brassica oleracea?
Corn
How has domestication affected the defense compounds in Brassica oleracea?
Reduced defense compounds
What is the primary function of plant growth hormones?
To encourage cell elongation and growth
What is the purpose of vernalization in winter cereals?
To transition from the vegetative to reproductive phase
What is the significance of the 'double ridges' observed at the shoot apex?
It marks the transition to reproductive development
How does increasing daylength affect plant development?
It accelerates inflorescence development and stem elongation
What is the primary function of the meristem in a plant?
To facilitate growth and development
What is the consequence of not providing vernalization to winter cereals planted in mid-spring?
The plants will not transition to the reproductive phase
What is the main difference between artificial selection and natural selection?
Artificial selection involves intentional reproduction of individuals with desirable traits by humans.
What are the three requirements for selection to occur?
Variation, heritability, and reproductive capacity.
What is the domestication syndrome?
The assorted traits modified in crop plants that make them dependent on humans for survival.
Why were potatoes initially able to form tubers only in autumn when introduced to Europe?
Ireland's mild, often frost-free autumns allowed the crop enough time to mature.
What is a landrace?
A traditional, locally adapted crop variety developed through cultivation and selection.
What is the advantage of selecting for reduced levels of glycoalkaloids in potatoes?
It reduces the bitter taste and toxicity of potatoes for human consumption.
What is the main structural component of a plant cell wall?
Cellulose
Which nutrient is essential for chlorophyll synthesis and enzyme activation?
Iron (Fe)
What is the primary function of calcium (Ca) in plants?
Formation of cell walls
Which nutrient deficiency can cause stunting of plant growth during the early stages?
Phosphorus (P)
What is the primary role of potassium (K) in plants?
Cell division and enzyme activation
Which nutrient is becoming increasingly recognized as the fourth macronutrient, alongside nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium?
Sulfur (S)
What is the primary reason for the increasing need for sulfur fertilizers?
All of the above
Which nutrient is essential for the formation of nucleoproteins in cell nuclei and the energy currency ATP?
Phosphorus (P)
What is the primary function of calcium (Ca) in plants during cell division?
Forming calcium pectate to cement cells together
Which nutrient is essential for the synthesis of oils and contributes to the flavor of plants like mustard, onions, and garlic?
Sulfur (S)
Study Notes
Plant Domestication and Improvement
- Brittle rachis trait in wheat causes seed to be shed at the time of ripening and promotes seed spread in the wild, leading to the dominance of wheat with this trait in the population.
- Humans have selected the non-brittle rachis wheat for harvesting, which has an intact wheat ear.
Metabolic Changes in Cereal Crops
- Harvest index is a key improvement in cereal crops, calculated as economic yield (grain) / biological yield (total biomass).
- Plant breeding has reduced plant height and produced more grains instead.
Artificial Selection of Brassica oleracea
- Artificial selection of Brassica oleracea has led to distinct forms, including cabbage, kale, cauliflower, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.
- Domestication has reduced defense compounds in these plants.
What is a Crop?
- A crop is a cultivated plant, fungus, or algae harvested for economic use (food, clothes).
- Examples of major crops in Ireland include barley, oats, wheat, beans, and peas.
Plant Growth and Development
- Growth is a permanent increase in weight/size of an organism due to an increase in number and size of cells.
- Development is the process of differentiation when plants transition from germination, seedling, vegetative, flowering, and seed maturation states.
- Plant growth hormones, such as auxins and gibberellins, play key roles in plant development.
Vernalization
- Vernalization is the process by which some plants, such as winter wheat and barley, require a prolonged cold period to transition from the vegetative to the reproductive phase of growth.
- This process is marked by the appearance of inflorescence primordia at the shoot apex.
Artificial Selection
- Artificial selection is the intentional reproduction of individuals in a population that have desirable traits.
- This process is driven by human selection and differs from natural selection.
Domestication of Crops
- Domestication of crops began around 12,000 years ago, independently in several regions.
- Many wild potato species contain natural compounds called glycoalkaloids, which impart a bitter taste and are toxic to humans.
- Selection over time reduced these compounds to negligible levels.
Maize Improvement
- Kernels were initially encased by lignified glumes, but selection led to exposed kernels with very reduced glumes.
Factors Affecting Crop Yields
- Disease, moisture availability, and quality issues can affect potato yields.
- Faba beans are sensitive to soil pH, moisture availability, and diseases such as chocolate spot.
- Oilseed rape yields can be affected by disease, pests, and lodging.
Learn about the concept of crops, their importance, and major crops in Ireland such as barley, oats, wheat, beans, and peas. Explore topics like tillage, arable farming practices, and the impact of agriculture in Ireland. Understand basic concepts like soil cultivation, reproductive methods, and more.
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