Question

Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and other one labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A): Self pollination by natural means is frequent in Vanilla
Reason (R): Hand pollination is an important part of vanilla cultivation
In light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
• B. Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A).
• C. (A) is correct but (R) is not correct.
• D. (A) is not correct but (R) is correct.

Hint:

The Albius hand-pollination method must be carried out in the early morning hours.
Vanilla flowers open for only one day, usually from sunrise until midday, during which they must be pollinated.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

To solve this question effectively, let's analyze the given assertion and reason separately:

1. Assertion (A): Self-pollination by natural means is frequent in Vanilla.
   • Vanilla, specifically the Vanilla planifolia species commonly used for commercial vanilla production, generally requires pollination for fruit setting.
   • Vanilla flowers are complex and not typically designed for self-pollination; they often require insects or human intervention to achieve pollination.
   • In natural environments, without human intervention, vanilla flowers have a limited capability of self-pollination.
   • Therefore, the assertion that self-pollination by natural means is frequent in vanilla is misleading. Most natural environments do not support frequent natural self-pollination of vanilla plants.
2. Reason (R): Hand pollination is an important part of vanilla cultivation.
   • This statement is true because, in commercial vanilla cultivation, hand pollination is extensively practiced to ensure the production of vanilla pods.
   • Since suitable natural pollinators are absent in most growing regions, the flowers are pollinated by hand to ensure successful fruit production.
   • Thus, the reason provided is valid and integral to the practical cultivation of vanilla plants.

By analyzing these points, we reach the conclusion that Assertion (A) is incorrect, while Reason (R) is correct.

Therefore, the correct answer is: (A) is not correct, but (R) is correct.