Vegetable Science (Olericulture)

• is correct because snow peas / mangetout (Pisum sativum var. saccharatum) have parchment-free, thin-walled flat tender pods eaten whole.
• is incorrect because presence of semi-parchment imparts fibrous stringiness.
• is also correct because snap peas (Pisum sativum var. macrocarpon) have parchment-free, thick-walled fleshy succulent pods eaten whole as green pods.
• is incorrect because parchment layers (sclerenchymatous endocarp) make pods unpalatable and fibrous.
  Note: Because edible-podded peas comprise two distinct market classes—snow peas (Option 1: parchment-free, thin-walled) and snap peas (Option 3: parchment-free, thick-walled)—NTA officially accepted both Option 1 and Option 3 ('1&3') as correct.

Seed rate recommendations in fenugreek:

• $10-12\text{ kg/ha}$: Kasuri methi (Trigonella corniculata) has very small test-weight seeds compared to common methi, and the standard agronomic recommendation is $10-12\text{ kg/ha}$.
• $20-25\text{ kg/ha}$ is the standard seed rate for bold-seeded common methi (Trigonella foenum-graecum).
• $13-20\text{ kg/ha}$ is outside the standard agronomic recommendation.
• $6-8\text{ kg/ha}$ provides inadequate plant stand.
  
  Option breakdown:
• $10-12\text{ kg/ha}$ is correct for Kasuri type.
• $20-25\text{ kg/ha}$ is for common methi.
• Incorrect range.
• Too low.

Commercial propagation of turmeric (Curcuma longa):

• True seeds rarely form in turmeric due to triploidy and floral sterility.
• Stem cuttings are not utilized in monocotyledonous rhizomatous herbs.
• Leaf cuttings cannot regenerate whole turmeric plants.
• Rhizome bits: Commercial propagation is carried out vegetatively using healthy mother rhizomes or finger rhizome bits containing active apical buds.
  
  Option breakdown:
• Seeds are not viable for commercial use.
• Stem cuttings are invalid.
• Leaf cuttings are invalid.
• Rhizome bits is the standard propagation material.