Which one of the followings is a recessive trait in garden pea plant ?

The correct answer is Option (1) → Yellow pod color

In a pair of contrasting traits, the dominant trait shows up in the F₁ plant even when only one allele for it is present. The recessive trait shows only when both alleles are recessive.

(1) Yellow pod color — Correct. It is the recessive trait. Green pod color is dominant.

(2) Axial flower position — Incorrect. It is dominant. Terminal flower position is the recessive trait.

(3) Violet flower color — Incorrect. It is dominant. White flower color is the recessive trait.

(4) Yellow seed color — Incorrect. It is dominant. Green seed color is the recessive trait.

NCERT Extract:
Mendel’s Laws of Inheritance – “… Mendel selected 14 true-breeding pea plant varieties, as pairs which were similar except for one character with contrasting traits. Some of the contrasting traits selected were smooth or wrinkled seeds, yellow or green seeds, inflated (full) or constricted green or yellow pods and tall or dwarf plants (Figure 4.1, Table 4.1).”

Figure 4.1 Seven pairs of contrasting traits in pea plant studied by Mendel