Question

A farmer has two fields A and B. He cultivates peas (Pisum sativum) in both the fields. Field A is covered with nets to keep out birds and insects. Field B is left uncovered.
(i) Name the type of pollination that would occur in field 'A' and field 'B'.
(ii) Which of these fields will give a higher yield?
(iii) To raise the next crop, from which field should the seeds be chosen by the farmer. Give reasons to support your answer.

Answer 1

(i) Field A - Self pollination would have taken place since insects were not able to effect pollination. The field was covered with nets. In field B self and cross pollination could have occurred since insects could visit the flowers.

(ii) Field B will give higher yield since cross pollination will result in production of more fruits and seeds. But due to visit of birds there may be fluctuations in yield, if proper care is not taken. In field A the production of seeds may be less due to self poll ination, but no wastage due to birds / insects will be recorded.

(iii) To raise the next crop, the 'seeds should be chosen by the farmer from field B because new varieties of plants can be obtained. Cross pollination favours development of new varieties of plants