Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the definition of a crop?
What is the definition of a crop?
- Any plant that undergoes photosynthesis
- Any cultivated plant, fungus or algae harvested for economic use (correct)
- Only plants that are grown for food production
- Only cereal grains like barley, oats and wheat
Which of the following is NOT a major crop grown in Ireland?
Which of the following is NOT a major crop grown in Ireland?
- Wheat
- Maize (correct)
- Barley
- Oats
What is the primary use of feed cereals in Irish tillage?
What is the primary use of feed cereals in Irish tillage?
- For biofuel production
- For animal feed (correct)
- For human consumption
- For export
Which type of plant is better suited for dry and warm climates?
Which type of plant is better suited for dry and warm climates?
What is the meaning of the term 'LAI' in the context of crops?
What is the meaning of the term 'LAI' in the context of crops?
What is the main improvement in cereal crops due to traditional plant breeding?
What is the main improvement in cereal crops due to traditional plant breeding?
Which trait in wheat causes seed to be shed at the time of ripening?
Which trait in wheat causes seed to be shed at the time of ripening?
What is the definition of harvest index?
What is the definition of harvest index?
Where was Brassica oleracea first domesticated?
Where was Brassica oleracea first domesticated?
Which of the following is not a morphology of Brassica oleracea?
Which of the following is not a morphology of Brassica oleracea?
How has domestication affected the defense compounds in Brassica oleracea?
How has domestication affected the defense compounds in Brassica oleracea?
What is the primary function of plant growth hormones?
What is the primary function of plant growth hormones?
What is the purpose of vernalization in winter cereals?
What is the purpose of vernalization in winter cereals?
What is the significance of the 'double ridges' observed at the shoot apex?
What is the significance of the 'double ridges' observed at the shoot apex?
How does increasing daylength affect plant development?
How does increasing daylength affect plant development?
What is the primary function of the meristem in a plant?
What is the primary function of the meristem in a plant?
What is the consequence of not providing vernalization to winter cereals planted in mid-spring?
What is the consequence of not providing vernalization to winter cereals planted in mid-spring?
What is the main difference between artificial selection and natural selection?
What is the main difference between artificial selection and natural selection?
What are the three requirements for selection to occur?
What are the three requirements for selection to occur?
What is the domestication syndrome?
What is the domestication syndrome?
Why were potatoes initially able to form tubers only in autumn when introduced to Europe?
Why were potatoes initially able to form tubers only in autumn when introduced to Europe?
What is a landrace?
What is a landrace?
What is the advantage of selecting for reduced levels of glycoalkaloids in potatoes?
What is the advantage of selecting for reduced levels of glycoalkaloids in potatoes?
What is the main structural component of a plant cell wall?
What is the main structural component of a plant cell wall?
Which nutrient is essential for chlorophyll synthesis and enzyme activation?
Which nutrient is essential for chlorophyll synthesis and enzyme activation?
What is the primary function of calcium (Ca) in plants?
What is the primary function of calcium (Ca) in plants?
Which nutrient deficiency can cause stunting of plant growth during the early stages?
Which nutrient deficiency can cause stunting of plant growth during the early stages?
What is the primary role of potassium (K) in plants?
What is the primary role of potassium (K) in plants?
Which nutrient is becoming increasingly recognized as the fourth macronutrient, alongside nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium?
Which nutrient is becoming increasingly recognized as the fourth macronutrient, alongside nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium?
What is the primary reason for the increasing need for sulfur fertilizers?
What is the primary reason for the increasing need for sulfur fertilizers?
Which nutrient is essential for the formation of nucleoproteins in cell nuclei and the energy currency ATP?
Which nutrient is essential for the formation of nucleoproteins in cell nuclei and the energy currency ATP?
What is the primary function of calcium (Ca) in plants during cell division?
What is the primary function of calcium (Ca) in plants during cell division?
Which nutrient is essential for the synthesis of oils and contributes to the flavor of plants like mustard, onions, and garlic?
Which nutrient is essential for the synthesis of oils and contributes to the flavor of plants like mustard, onions, and garlic?
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.
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Description
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.
