With respect to the life cycle of Pinus, considering the formation of the female cone at the summer of year zero, fertilization occur in

(a)  Late autumn of 2nd year

(b)  Late spring of 2nd year

(c)   The same year i.e. zero year but in the next season

(d)  The early summer of next year (i.e. First year)

Answer: b

(18)