Question

Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and other one labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A) : Over watering is very harmful to chrysanthemum plants, hence proper drainage in the field and pots should be maintained for commercial cultivation.
Reason (R) : Over watering causes yellowing of leaves and mortality of chrysanthemum plants due to insufficient supply of oxygen for root respiration resulting in rotting of roots.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate 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:

Plant roots need oxygen!
Overwatering fills soil pores with water, pushing out air (oxygen).
Lack of oxygen damages roots (they can't "breathe") and leads to root rot.
Damaged roots can't supply the plant, causing yellow leaves and death. This is why good drainage (Assertion) is crucial, due to the reasons mentioned (Reason).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Assertion (A): Over watering is very harmful to chrysanthemum plants, hence proper drainage in the field and pots should be maintained for commercial cultivation. This statement is true. Chrysanthemums, like many plants, are susceptible to problems caused by waterlogged soil. Their roots require oxygen to function properly. Poor drainage leads to saturated soil conditions, which is detrimental to their health and growth. Therefore, ensuring good drainage is a critical practice in chrysanthemum cultivation. Reason (R): Over watering causes yellowing of leaves and mortality of chrysanthemum plants due to insufficient supply of oxygen for root respiration resulting in rotting of roots. This statement is also true. When soil is overwatered and becomes waterlogged, the air spaces in the soil get filled with water. This drastically reduces the availability of oxygen to the plant roots. Roots need oxygen for respiration to produce energy. Without sufficient oxygen (anaerobic conditions), root cells cannot respire efficiently, leading to stress, damage, and eventually root rot (often caused by opportunistic fungal or bacterial pathogens that thrive in anaerobic, moist conditions). Symptoms in the above-ground parts of the plant, such as yellowing of leaves (chlorosis) and wilting, are common consequences of root dysfunction and rot, ultimately leading to plant mortality if the condition persists. Is (R) the correct explanation of (A)? Yes, (R) correctly explains (A). The reason provides the physiological and pathological basis for why overwatering is harmful (as stated in the assertion). It details the consequences of overwatering – lack of oxygen, impaired root respiration, and root rot – which are the reasons why proper drainage is essential. Therefore, both statements are correct, and (R) is the correct explanation for (A). Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).