The correct option is (c).
Explanation
Crop improvement programs aim to develop varieties with specific agronomic characteristics tailored to the economic purpose of the crop, distinguishing between grain production and biomass generation.- Statement 1 is Incorrect: For cereal crops (e.g., wheat, rice), tallness and profuse branching are generally undesirable. Tall plants are highly susceptible to lodging (falling over due to wind or rain), which causes yield loss. Furthermore, excessive vegetative growth consumes nutrients that are better utilized for grain filling.
- Statement 2 is Correct: Fodder crops (e.g., berseem, sorghum) are cultivated primarily for their vegetative biomass (leaves and stems) to feed livestock. Therefore, tallness and profuse branching are highly desirable traits as they maximize the quantity of fodder produced.
- Statement 3 is Correct: Dwarfness is a desirable trait for cereal crops. Shorter plants are more resistant to lodging and consume fewer nutrients for stem elongation, allowing for greater resource allocation to grain production (improving the harvest index).
Key Takeaway: Desirable agronomic traits depend on the crop's utility: dwarfness is preferred for cereals to prevent lodging and improve grain yield, while tallness and profuse branching are preferred for fodder crops to maximize vegetative biomass.