Q.62 Which of the following statement(s) is/are TRUE for Retting in Jute
(A). It is a kind of fermentation process
(B). It employs the action of bacteria on plants
(C). In this, the cortical tissues and phloem tissues of the bark of the plants which
contains free strands are decomposed to separate fibre from non-fibrous woody
stem
(D). This process does not involve any microorganisms and is purely the outcome
of long soaking hours
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
1. (A), (B) and (D) only.
2. (A), (B) and (C) only.
3. (A), (B), (C) and (D).
4. (B), (C) and (D) only.
Retting is a key microbial process in jute fiber extraction, and understanding its mechanisms is crucial for exams like CUET PG Botany. The correct answer to the multiple-choice question is option 2: (A), (B), and (C) only.
What is Retting in Jute?
Retting separates bast fibers from jute stems by decomposing non-fibrous tissues through controlled microbial activity. Jute plants are bundled and soaked in water, where bacteria break down pectins, lignins, and gummy substances binding the fibers. This traditional water retting takes 1-2 weeks, depending on temperature and microbial load.
Option Analysis
Statement (A): Fermentation Process
True. Retting is a microbial fermentation where bacteria produce enzymes to degrade pectins and hemicelluloses, mimicking anaerobic decay processes.
Statement (B): Bacterial Action
True. Primarily butyric acid bacteria (anaerobes) and other mesophilic bacteria act on plant tissues, facilitated by moisture in water retting.
Statement (C): Tissue Decomposition
True. Cortical and phloem tissues in the bark, surrounding fiber strands (bast bundles), are selectively decomposed to free fibers from the woody core (hurd).
Statement (D): No Microorganisms
False. Retting requires bacteria and sometimes fungi; long soaking alone is insufficient without microbial enzymes. Option (D) misrepresents the process as purely physical.
Why Option 2 is Correct
Options 1, 3, and 4 include the incorrect (D), eliminating them. (A), (B), and (C) align with scientific descriptions from jute processing literature.
| Option | Includes Correct Statements | Excludes (D) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | (A), (B), (D) | No | Incorrect |
| 2 | (A), (B), (C) | Yes | Correct |
| 3 | (A), (B), (C), (D) | No | Incorrect |
| 4 | (B), (C), (D) | No | Incorrect |
Exam Preparation Tips
Focus on microbial roles in plant fiber extraction for competitive exams. Retting exemplifies applied microbiology in agriculture, contrasting with mechanical or chemical methods. Practice similar PYQs from CUET PG Botany papers.
