Question

Bract of jowar flower is called
A) Palea
B) Lemma
C) Lodicule
D) Spikelet

Answer 1

Flower is the reproductive structure of the plants bearing it. They allow a mechanism for union of the sperm and egg leading to the development of the offspring.

Complete answer:
The parts of a flower can be broadly divided into two categories- the vegetative part comprising petals and associated structures and reproductive parts. The vegetative part consists of perianth which in turn is made up of calyx and corolla.T.

The reproductive structure includes the androecium which is the male part consisting of stamens and gynoecium which is the female part consisting of carpels. Inflorescence is the term used to describe the arrangement of flowers on an axis. Though inflorescence typically describes flower arrangement, sometimes inflorescence may also include specialized stems and modified leaves which are known as bracts.

The plants having the bract are termed as bracteate whereas those which do not have the bract are termed ebracteate. Jowar whose scientific name is Sorghum bicolor belongs to the grass family, Poaceae. The flower of jowar is arranged in a spikelet which consists of two bracts at the base known as glumes followed by florets. The floret in turn is surrounded by two bracts, the external one is called lemma and the internal one palea.

Hence the correct answers are options (A) Palea, B) Lemma.

Note: Jowar is an economically important crop that is used for food, production of alcoholic beverages, biofuels and animal fodders. They are of increased importance because they are drought tolerant, nitrogen efficient as well as heat tolerant, being very well suited to be cultivated in arid regions.