Question

Which of the following is a critical parameter for drought tolerance in dryland fruits?

• A. Large stomata
• B. Shallow root system
• C. Large sized leaves
• D. Short duration varieties

Hint:

Drought tolerance strategies can be categorized as: drought escape (short duration), drought avoidance (e.g., deep roots, reduced leaf area to conserve water), and drought tolerance (biochemical mechanisms to withstand low water potential). 'Drought escape' is a very important strategy for annual crops and some fruit varieties in arid regions.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks for a critical characteristic or strategy that enables fruit crops to be tolerant to drought conditions found in drylands.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's analyze the options as mechanisms for drought tolerance:
\[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{1. Large stomata: This is incorrect. Plants adapted to dry conditions (xerophytes) typically have smaller, sunken, or fewer stomata to reduce water loss through transpiration. } \\ \bullet & \text{2. Shallow root system: This is incorrect. A deep and extensive root system is a key adaptation for drought tolerance, as it allows the plant to explore a larger volume of soil and access water from deeper layers. } \\ \bullet & \text{3. Large sized leaves: This is incorrect. Large leaves have a greater surface area, which increases water loss via transpiration. Drought-tolerant plants often have small, modified, or waxy leaves. } \\ \bullet & \text{4. Short duration varieties: This is a correct and critical strategy known as "drought escape". By having a short life cycle, these varieties can complete their growth and reproductive phases during the brief period when moisture is available (e.g., the rainy season), thus escaping the most severe period of drought. This is a very effective parameter for successful cultivation in drylands. } \\ \end{array}\]

Step 3: Final Answer:
Short duration varieties are a critical parameter for drought tolerance in dryland fruits.