Question

Cabbage is a biennial plant which produces flowers in the second year of growth. In an attempt to make it flower in a singular year , four potted plants (I,II,III, and IV) of cabbage were subjected to different temperatures for several days given in the table.
Potted plant temperature
1. 5⁰C
2. 20⁰C
3. 30⁰C
4. 25⁰C
Which potted plant will be flowering
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4

Answer 1

Hint: Cabbage is a green leafy, red or white biennial plant which is grown as an annual vegetable crop for its dense leaves. It is a vegetable which is used in many countries and it was introduced by Spanish and Portuguese settlers.

Complete Answer:
- Cabbage has much longer shelf life than other vegetables. It is possible because of its tight head and waxy cuticle. The weight of the cabbage generally ranges from 500-1000 grams. Raw cabbage contains 92% of water, 6% of carbohydrates and 1% protein. And it is a rich source of vitamin E and vitamin K.
- Development of cabbage is done primarily on sandy to heavy soils rich in organic matter. Early crops favor light soil even as late crops flourish better on heavier soils due to maintenance of moisture. On deep soils, plants grow more slowly and the keeping quality is enhanced. A pH range of 6.0-6.5 is considered as most advantageous for growing cabbage. Plants growing in saline soils are very much prone to diseases.
- In India, cabbage is developed in large areas having a cool and moist climate. The low temperature is requisite for vernalization and is usually 0⁰C to 5⁰C. In the environment, the plants requiring vernalization are generally biennials e.g. cabbage, sugar canes, which complete their life cycle in two years.
- They germinate and grow vegetatively in the first year and bring into being flowers in the second year of growth. These plants accomplish their cold requirement during winters. On the other hand biennial plants can be made to flower in one growing season by providing low temperature treatment to young plants or moistened seeds.

So the correct answer for this question is option a) 5⁰C.

Note: The different varieties of cabbage include the following Golden acre, Pusa Drum Head, Pride of India, Copenhagen Market, Pusa Mukta, Pusa Synthetic, Midseason Market, September Early, Early Drum Head, Late Large Drum Head, K-1 .