Diseases occurring due to Ca deficiency are:

(A) Hollow heart in Groundnut

(B) Frenching of Citrus

(C) Pod popping in Groundnut

(D) Pillowing of Cucumber

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct option is D

Explanation of the Correct Option (d): Only (C) and (D)
(C) Pod popping in Groundnut – Ca deficiency
· Calcium is essential for proper pod and seed development in groundnut.
· Deficiency of Ca in the pegging zone leads to:
· Poor shell development
· Pods bursting open (pod popping)
· Hence, pod popping is a classic symptom of calcium deficiency.
(D) Pillowing of Cucumber – Ca deficiency
· Calcium plays a major role in cell wall formation and fruit firmness.
· Ca deficiency in cucurbits causes:
· Swollen, malformed fruits
· Soft, pillow-like appearance
· Therefore, pillowing of cucumber is associated with calcium deficiency.
Explanation of Other Options
(A) Hollow heart in Groundnut
· Incorrect because:
· Hollow heart is mainly associated with boron deficiency, not calcium.
(B) Frenching of Citrus
· Incorrect because:
· Frenching is caused by zinc deficiency.
· Characterized by narrow, chlorotic leaves and rosetting.
Explanation of Other Answer Options
Option (a): Only (A) and (B)
· Incorrect because:
· Both disorders are due to boron and zinc deficiency respectively.
Option (b): Only (B) and (C)
· Incorrect because:
· Frenching is not related to calcium deficiency.
Option (c): Only (A) and (D)
· Incorrect because:
· Hollow heart is not due to calcium deficiency.
Key Points Related to the Question
· Calcium deficiency disorders:
· Pod popping (groundnut)
· Pillowing (cucumber)
· Boron deficiency: Hollow heart (groundnut)
· Zinc deficiency: Frenching (citrus)
· Calcium is immobile in plants → deficiency symptoms appear in young tissues