Agri Quiz: Horticulture: (Eggplant) Brinjal Quiz

Correct Answer: Solanum melongena
Solanum melongena L. is the scientific name for Brinjal, also known as eggplant. It belongs to the Solanaceae family.

Correct Answer: Solanaceae
Brinjal is a member of the Solanaceae family, which also includes tomato, potato, and chilli. This family is known for its diverse range of food and medicinal plants.

Correct Answer: India
India is considered the primary center of origin for Brinjal (Solanum melongena). It has been cultivated in the region for thousands of years.

Correct Answer: Berry
Botanically, the fruit of the Brinjal plant is classified as a berry. Berries typically develop from a single ovary and contain multiple seeds.

Correct Answer: Day Neutral Plant
Brinjal is a day-neutral plant (DNP), meaning its flowering is not significantly affected by the length of day or night. This allows it to be grown across different seasons.

Correct Answer: Pentamerous
The flowers of the Brinjal plant are described as pentamerous. This means their floral parts (like petals and sepals) are typically arranged in multiples of five.

Correct Answer: Eggplant
Eggplant is a common name for Brinjal, particularly in North America and Australia. The name 'Aubergine' is more common in British English.

Correct Answer: 6.5 - 7.5
Brinjal thrives best in soils with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. This slightly acidic to neutral pH ensures optimal nutrient availability for the plant.

Correct Answer: 13-21°C
The NCERT guidelines suggest an average temperature range of 13-21°C for successful Brinjal cultivation. However, optimal growth occurs between 20-30°C.

Correct Answer: Anthocyanin
Anthocyanin pigments are responsible for the characteristic purple color of many Brinjal varieties. These pigments are water-soluble flavonoids.

Correct Answer: Solasodine/Glycoalkaloid
Solasodine, a type of glycoalkaloid, is the primary compound responsible for the bitterness sometimes found in Brinjal. Levels vary between varieties and maturity stages.

Correct Answer: 400-500 gm
For standard, open-pollinated Brinjal varieties, a seed rate of 400-500 grams per hectare is generally recommended. Hybrid varieties require a lower seed rate.

Correct Answer: 175-200 gm
Hybrid Brinjal varieties typically require a lower seed rate of 175-200 grams per hectare compared to non-hybrid varieties. This is due to higher seed cost and germination potential.

Correct Answer: 4-5 weeks
Brinjal seedlings are usually ready for transplanting from the nursery to the main field after 4-5 weeks. At this stage, they have developed sufficiently strong root systems.

Correct Answer: White Brinjal
White Brinjal varieties are often recommended for diabetic patients. Some studies suggest they may have properties beneficial for blood sugar management.

Correct Answer: Polyphenol Oxidase (PPO)
The browning reaction observed when Brinjal is cut is primarily due to the activity of the Polyphenol Oxidase (PPO) enzyme. This enzyme oxidizes phenolic compounds in the presence of air.

Correct Answer: Cry1Ac
Bt-Brinjal was developed by introducing the Cry1Ac gene from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis. This gene produces a protein toxic to certain insect pests, particularly the stem and fruit borer.

Correct Answer: Mahyco
Bt-Brinjal was developed in India by the Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds Company (Mahyco). It was developed in collaboration with Monsanto and public research institutions.

Correct Answer: Copper (Cu)
Copper (Cu) is highlighted as an essential micronutrient for increasing Brinjal yield. It plays a role in various enzymatic processes within the plant.

Correct Answer: Bumble bees and Honey bees
Bumble bees and honey bees are the main pollinators for Brinjal flowers. Their activity is crucial for fruit set, especially in cross-pollinated scenarios.

Correct Answer: 200 meters
For certified seed production, an isolation distance of 200 meters is recommended for Brinjal. This helps prevent cross-pollination from other varieties.

Correct Answer: 400 meters
Foundation seed production of Brinjal requires a larger isolation distance of 400 meters. This ensures higher genetic purity compared to certified seed.

Correct Answer: Heterostyly
Heterostyly is the condition found in Brinjal where flowers have styles of different lengths (long, medium, short, pseudo-short). This promotes cross-pollination.

Correct Answer: Long style
Flowers with long styles exhibit the highest percentage of fruit set in Brinjal, typically ranging from 70-86%. Short and pseudo-short styles generally do not result in fruit development.

Correct Answer: Solanum incanum
Solanum incanum is widely regarded as the wild progenitor species from which cultivated Brinjal (Solanum melongena) was domesticated. It shares many morphological similarities.

Correct Answer: Solanum torvum
Solanum torvum is known for its resistance to bacterial wilt and is often used as a rootstock for grafting tomato and Brinjal. Grafting helps manage soilborne diseases.

Correct Answer: Very early ripening
Pusa Purple Long is a widely cultivated Brinjal variety in India, known for its very early ripening characteristic. It is also resistant to wilt disease.

Correct Answer: BH-12
The variety BH-12 is noted as being particularly suitable for preparing 'Bharta', a popular South Asian dish made from roasted Brinjal. It likely has fleshy pulp suitable for mashing.

Correct Answer: Leucinodes orbonalis
Leucinodes orbonalis is the scientific name for the Brinjal Stem and Fruit Borer. This pest is a major constraint in Brinjal cultivation, causing significant damage to shoots and fruits.

Correct Answer: Larva
The larval stage of the Stem and Fruit Borer is responsible for causing damage. The larvae bore into the tender shoots and fruits, feeding internally.

Correct Answer: Leaves
The Hadda Beetle, both in its larval and adult stages, primarily feeds on the leaves of the Brinjal plant. They scrape the leaf surface, often leaving a characteristic 'skeletonized' appearance.

Correct Answer: Mycoplasma (Phytoplasma)
Little Leaf disease of Brinjal is caused by a Mycoplasma-like Organism (MLO), now referred to as Phytoplasma. It leads to severe stunting and yellowing of leaves.

Correct Answer: Leafhopper
Leafhoppers are the primary vectors responsible for transmitting the Mycoplasma (Phytoplasma) that causes Little Leaf disease in Brinjal. Managing leafhopper populations is key to controlling the disease spread.

Correct Answer: Phomopsis vexans
Phomopsis Blight is caused by the fungus Phomopsis vexans. This disease can affect all parts of the plant, including leaves, stems, and fruits, causing significant yield losses.

Correct Answer: 10-11°C
For optimal storage, Brinjal fruits should be kept at a temperature range of 10-11°C with high humidity (around 92%). Lower temperatures can cause chilling injury.