Which of the following conditions is/are essential of wheat cultivation? 1. The optimum temperature during the growing period is around 30°C 2. A frost-free period of about 100 days 3. Light clay or heavy loam soil Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Wheat is a temperate crop requiring cool weather during its growing period. The optimum temperature for growth is between 15°C and 23°C [5], while temperatures around 30°C are generally associated with the grain-filling or ripening stage rather than the entire growing period [3]. High temperatures above 30°C can actually be detrimental to yield. Statement 1 is therefore incorrect. Wheat requires a frost-free period of approximately 100 days to ensure the crop is not damaged during its critical growth and heading stages [2]. Regarding soil, wheat thrives in well-drained soils with textures ranging from light clay to heavy loam [3]. While it can grow in various soils, alluvial soils and loamy textures (clayey loam to sandy loam) are highly suitable [4]. Thus, statements 2 and 3 are essential conditions for successful wheat cultivation.

Sources

1. [2] https://www.fao.org/4/i2800e/i2800e07.pdf
2. [5] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7823633/
3. [3] Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 12: Major Crops and Cropping Patterns in India > Environmental Requirements > p. 20
4. [4] https://nfsm.gov.in/ReadyReckoner/NFSM_Package.pdf