Question

Which of the following is intolerant to salinity?

• A. Dates
• B. Cotton
• C. Mustard
• D. Green gram

Hint:

Pulse crops like Green gram and Black gram are typically more sensitive to salinity than cereals or oilseeds because salinity interferes with the symbiotic relationship they have with Rhizobium bacteria.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Salinity tolerance refers to the ability of a plant to grow and complete its life cycle on a substrate that contains high concentrations of soluble salts. Green gram (Vigna radiata) is highly sensitive to salt stress, which significantly affects its growth and grain yield. Step 1: Analyze the options.
(A) Dates: Date palms are known for their high tolerance to salinity and can thrive in arid regions with salty soil.
(B) Cotton: Cotton is classified as a salt-tolerant crop, often grown in areas where other crops might fail due to soil salinity.
(C) Mustard: Mustard possesses a moderate level of tolerance to salinity compared to many pulse crops.
(D) Green gram: Pulses, in general, are sensitive to salinity. Green gram specifically is considered intolerant or highly sensitive, as even low levels of salinity can inhibit its nitrogen-fixing capabilities and overall development.
Step 2: Conclusion.
Among the given options, Green gram is the most intolerant to saline conditions. Hence, the correct answer is (D).
Final Answer: \[ \boxed{(D) \, \text{Green gram}} \]