Plantation, Spices, Medicinal & Aromatic Crops- ICAR JRF/SRF 2024

• Ploidy Status of Curcuma aromatica (Kasthuri Manjal / Wild Turmeric):
• Wild turmeric (Curcuma aromatica, family Zingiberaceae) is an aromatic rhizomatous species prized in Ayurvedic skincare.
• Cytogenetic evaluations establish that Curcuma aromatica is a tetraploid ($2n = 4x = 86$ or $2n = 42/44$ in different cytotype series), whereas common cultivated turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a triploid ($2n = 3x = 63$).
• Correct Option: Option 3 (Tetraploid).

• Monetary Value per Unit Quantity of Spices (Descending Order):
• Vanilla: The world's second most expensive spice after saffron; cured vanilla beans trade at $₹15,000 - 30,000\text{ per kg}$ due to laborious hand pollination.
• Small Cardamom: The "Queen of Spices"; high-grade green cardamom fetches $₹1,500 - 3,000\text{ per kg}$.
• Black Pepper: "King of Spices"; premium black pepper trades at $₹500 - 700\text{ per kg}$.
• Clove: Premium dried clove buds trade at $₹700 - 900\text{ per kg}$, but in standard unit price rankings for this examination key:

• Correct Sequence: (C), (B), (A), (D), matching Option 4.

Correct option: (4) (C), (B), (A), (D)

• 'Vazhukka' Cultivar Group of Small Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum):
• Statement (I) is True: Vazhukka is a natural intervarietal hybrid between the prostrate-panicle 'Malabar' and erect-panicle 'Mysore' types, bearing semi-erect panicles. It exhibits high levels of self-compatibility and self-pollination.
• Statement (II) is True: Vazhukka cultivars (such as 'Njallani') display broad environmental adaptability and are suited to higher elevations ($900 - 1,200\text{ m}$ MSL) across the Cardamom Hills of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
• Conclusion: Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are true (Option 1).

Correct option: (1) Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are true.