Agri Quiz: Horticulture: Tomato quiz

Correct Answer: Solanum lycopersicon
The new botanical name for tomato as Solanum lycopersicon. The older name was Lycopersicon esculentum.

Correct Answer: Solanaceae
Tomato belongs to the Solanaceae family, which also includes potatoes, peppers, and eggplants. This family is known for containing several important agricultural crops.

Correct Answer: Lycopene
The red color of tomatoes is mainly due to the presence of lycopene. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant.

Correct Answer: 21-24°C
The optimal temperature for lycopene production in tomatoes is between 21°C and 24°C. Temperatures above 27°C reduce lycopene formation.

Correct Answer: Tomato
Tomato is also known as 'Poor man's Orange', likely due to its nutritional value, particularly Vitamin C, and affordability. It is also called 'Wolf Apple' and 'Vilayati Brinjal'.

Correct Answer: China
China holds the first position in global tomato production, followed by India. Tomatoes are a major vegetable crop worldwide.

Correct Answer: Andhra Pradesh
In India, Andhra Pradesh leads in tomato production. Climate and soil conditions in the state favour tomato cultivation.

Correct Answer: Berry
Botanically, the tomato fruit is classified as a berry (or 'sarasa' in Hindi). A berry is a fleshy fruit produced from a single ovary.

Correct Answer: Providing support to plants
Staking is the practice of providing physical support to tomato plants, especially indeterminate varieties, to keep them upright. This improves air circulation and fruit quality.

Correct Answer: 24%
Tomato seeds contain approximately 24% oil. Tomato seed oil can be extracted and used, although it's not a primary commercial oil source.

Correct Answer: Sodium Benzoate
Sodium benzoate is used as a preservative in processed tomato products. It helps inhibit the growth of microorganisms.

Correct Answer: Climacteric
Tomato is a climacteric fruit/vegetable, meaning it continues to ripen after harvest, accompanied by a rise in respiration rate and ethylene production.

Correct Answer: Day Neutral Plant (DNP)
Tomato is classified as a Day Neutral Plant (DNP), indicating its flowering is not significantly affected by day length. This allows it to be grown in different seasons.

Correct Answer: 125-150 gm
The recommended seed rate for hybrid tomato varieties is 125-150 grams per hectare. Normal varieties require a higher seed rate of 400-500 gm/ha.

Correct Answer: Flowering occurs at the top and each node
Determinate tomato varieties have limited growth, and flowering occurs at the terminal bud (top) and at each node. They are typically grown in open fields and usually don't require staking.

Correct Answer: Flavor Saver
Flavor Saver is renowned for its high storage capacity and was the first genetically modified tomato variety developed using biotechnology. It was developed by Calgene in 1994.

Correct Answer: Fruit Cracking
Fruit cracking in tomatoes is often associated with Boron deficiency. Applying borax solution can help manage this disorder.

Correct Answer: Calcium
Blossom End Rot (BER) is a physiological disorder in tomatoes caused by Calcium (Ca) deficiency. Spraying calcium chloride can help prevent it.

Correct Answer: Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci)
The Leaf Curl disease in tomatoes, caused by a virus, is transmitted by the Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci). Whiteflies are common sucking pests in many crops.

Correct Answer: Alternaria solani
Early Blight disease in tomatoes is caused by the fungus Alternaria solani. It affects leaves, stems, and fruits, causing characteristic target-like lesions.

Correct Answer: 25 meters
For certified tomato seed production, the recommended isolation distance is 25 meters. For foundation seed, it is 50 meters.

Correct Answer: Angurlata
Angurlata is highlighted as a tomato variety suitable for growing in kitchen gardens. Kitchen garden varieties are often chosen for ease of growth and continuous yield.

Correct Answer: Fully ripening stage
Tomatoes intended for processing (like making ketchup or paste) are harvested at the fully ripening stage. This stage ensures maximum color and flavor development.

Correct Answer: High temperature and excess nitrogen
Puffiness, characterized by hollow cavities inside the fruit, is caused by factors like high temperature and excess nitrogen application. Proper environmental control and balanced fertilization are key.

Correct Answer: Tomatine
Tomatine is a chemical compound found in tomatoes that exhibits fungal-resistant properties. It's a glycoalkaloid naturally present in the plant.

Correct Answer: Citric Acid
Citric acid is the predominant acid found in tomatoes, contributing to their characteristic tangy taste. Acid content influences flavor and processing suitability.

Correct Answer: fresh market; Pear shape
Punjab Chuara is a tomato variety characterized by its pear-shaped fruits and is considered suitable for processing. Fruit shape and firmness are important traits for processing varieties.

Correct Answer: Damping Off
Damping Off, caused by fungi like Pythium and Phytophthora, is cited as the most dangerous disease affecting tomato seedlings in the nursery stage. It causes seedlings to collapse at the soil line.

Correct Answer: No true insect vector
TMV is often spread mechanically. Seeds are the main factor in the long-distance transmission of ToMV.

Correct Answer: Boron and Zinc
The document explicitly lists Boron and Zinc as essential micronutrients required by tomatoes. Deficiencies in these can lead to various growth issues and disorders.

Correct Answer: High temperature (more than 40°C)
High temperatures, especially above 40°C, can cause Sun Scald, damaging exposed fruit surfaces. Providing adequate foliage cover helps prevent this.

Correct Answer: Pythium aphanidermatum
Pythium aphanidermatum is a common soilborne pathogen that causes Damping off, especially in young seedlings. It leads to rotting of stem.

Correct Answer: Early Blight
Alternaria solani causes Early blight, characterized by dark, concentric lesions on leaves and fruits. It can significantly reduce yield.

Correct Answer: Leaf Curl disease
Whiteflies are the vector for the Leaf Curl virus, which causes severe leaf distortion and stunting. Controlling whitefly populations is crucial.

Correct Answer: Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici
Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici is a soilborne fungus that causes Fusarium Wilt, blocking the plant's vascular system. It leads to wilting and death.

Correct Answer: Applying Carbofuran 3G
Carbofuran 3G is a nematicide used to control nematodes like Meloidogyne spp., which cause root-knot disease. It helps in reducing nematode populations in the soil.

Correct Answer: Change in climate
Catface is a physiological disorder characterized by deformed, scarred fruit, often caused by environmental fluctuations, particularly during flowering. It is non-pathogenic.