UPSC Mains AGRICULTURE-PAPER-II 2012

Describe different types of structural variations in chromosomes. Mention its genetic implications.

What is marker-assisted selection? Discuss its advantages over conventional phenotype-based selection in crop improvement.

What are male sterile limes? Describe its role in seed production.

What are phytohormones? Describe the physiological roles of auxins and gibberellins in plants.

What are the causes of pest outbreak? Discuss the role of pesticides in pest resurgence.

What is cell cycle? Describe different stages of interphase of mitosis.

What is detasselling? How it helps in hybrid breeding?

Define heterosis. Discuss its application in crop improvement.

"Genetic erosion caused by human activities is a threat to agriculture" — Comment.

Differentiate between seed vigour and viability. How are the two assessed in a seed testing programme?

Discuss the role of transgenic technology for enhancing shelf life of fruits, vegetables and flowers.

Phytoalexins

Plant breeder's right and variety protection

Gene for gene hypothesis

Microbial pesticides and their use in agriculture

Define parthenocarpy. What are the different types of parthenocarpy in fruits? How can it be induced in fruits?

Describe in detail occurrence, symptoms, etiology, epidemiology and management of apple scab disease.

What is landscape architecture? State the principles of landscaping. What are the steps involved in landscaping a public place?

What is legislative control? Write various acts on pest control legislation adopted in India.

What is protein energy malnutrition (PEM)? Discuss reasons for malnutrition among children.

What is aerobic respiration? Describe the Krebs cycle reactions and discuss its significance in plant life.

Write the causes responsible for alternate bearing in mango and apple. Suggest effective measures to overcome the problem.

What do you mean by "Intellectual Property"? How can the Intellectual Property be protected? What is the relevance of Intellectual Property Right (IPR) in agriculture?

Write commercial cultivation practices of Anthurium with reference to microclimate, propagation and planting, harvesting and yield of Anthurium cutflowers.

Describe the diagnostic symptoms, etiology and management of rhizome rot of ginger or bacterial wilt of solanaceous crops.

Describe the production technology for Orchids under protected conditions.

What are the abiotic and biotic factors responsible for citrus decline? Suggest remedial measures to combat the problem.

Antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables

Satellite viruses

Plant biosecurity

Over dominance hypothesis

Phytosanitary measures