Agrostology is a specialised branch of botany; it deals specifically with the scientific study of which group of plants?

Introduction:
Botany is divided into many specialised branches that focus on particular groups of plants. Knowing the names of these sub disciplines is important for both competitive exams and subject clarity. Agrostology is one such branch, and this question asks which group of plants it studies in detail, including their classification, ecology and uses.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The term in question is agrostology. - The options suggest seeds of oil crops, crop plants in general, grasses and fruits. - We assume recognition of the root agrosto related to grasses or fields. - The question is about the main focus group for this branch of botany.

Concept / Approach:
Agrostology is derived from Greek agrostis, meaning grass, and logos, meaning study. Thus, agrostology is defined as the study of grasses. This includes economically important cereal crops like wheat, rice and maize, as well as pasture grasses used for fodder and lawn grasses. It does not cover all crops or fruits in a broad sense, but focuses on members of the family Poaceae and related groups. Therefore, grasses is the correct answer.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the suffix logy denotes a field of study, and agrost- relates to grasses or fields. Step 2: Connect agrostology with the classification and study of grasses, including cereals and forage grasses. Step 3: Recognise that seeds of oil crops and fruits are important, but they belong to different branches such as oleiculture or pomology. Step 4: Understand that crop plants as a broad category are studied in agronomy and general botany, not just in agrostology. Step 5: Select grasses as the specific plant group studied in agrostology.

Verification / Alternative check:
Agricultural botany texts and glossaries define agrostology as the scientific study of grasses and sometimes sedges. It includes systematic classification, distribution, growth patterns and utilisation of grasses for food, forage and turf. The association between agrostology and grasses appears consistently across reference works, which confirms that grasses is the correct option for this question.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Seeds of oil crops: These are studied under oilseed agronomy and seed technology, not specifically under agrostology. Crop plants in general: A very broad category that falls under agronomy and general crop science, not the focused field of agrostology. Fruits: Fruits are studied in pomology, a different branch dedicated to fruit crops, not in agrostology.

Common Pitfalls:
Because agro is often associated with agriculture as a whole, some learners assume that agrostology must refer to crop science generally. This leads them towards crop plants in general rather than the more specific grasses. Distinguishing between agronomy (overall crop science) and agrostology (grass science) is important. Remembering that many grass species like wheat and rice are central to human food may also help link agrostology specifically with grasses.

Final Answer:
Agrostology is the branch of botany that deals with the study of Grasses.