UPSC Mains AGRICULTURE-PAPER-II 2017

What is cell? Enlist different organelles of plant cell with brief description of functions of mitochondria.

Give a brief account of conservation of crop genetic resources.

What are the genetic and agronomic principles of seed production?

What do you mean by male sterility? List various types of male sterility systems found in plants and discuss the chemically induced male sterility.

What is embryo rescue? Write its advantages in crop improvement. Indicate the technique with special reference to interspecific and intergeneric hybridization.

Describe various steps involved in seed certification and the institutions associated in the production of certified seeds.

Describe the applications of molecular markers in crop improvement.

Explain cytoplasmic inheritance and its characteristics.

Define heterosis. How is heterosis being exploited in the development of hybrids?

What is polyploidy? Briefly discuss its application and limitations in crop improvement.

Narrate the role of genetic engineering in crop improvement.

What are mutations? Indicate the use of induced mutation in varietal development.

Explain the mechanism involved in breeding for resistance to insect-pests.

Discuss the impact of PPV & FRA in varietal protection of crop plants.

What are plant growth regulators? How do they differ from phytohormones? Indicate the applications of plant growth regulators in agriculture.

Describe the criteria of essentiality of nutrients. Classify the essential nutrients for plants. Discuss the role of phosphorus and calcium in crops with special reference to pulses.

Give a brief account of post-harvest losses in fruits. Suggest various management techniques to avoid losses due to post-harvest diseases.

What are nutrition challenges? Discuss the factors contributing to the under-nutrition at different stages of life cycle.

Define medicinal and aromatic plants. Discuss their importance and uses.

Define 'evapotranspiration'. How is it affected by various factors? Briefly discuss the passive absorption of water by plants.

What is photophosphorylation? Distinguish between cyclic and non-cyclic photophosphorylation. Give schematic structure of both the pathways.

How does high-tech horticulture technology play role in enhancing resource use efficiency and farmers' income?

Give a brief account of major pests and diseases of mango with their management measures.

Suggest the measures to prevent the spread of exotic pests and diseases in the country.

Differentiate between symbiotic and asymbiotic nitrogen fixation. How does symbiotic nitrogen fixation take place in crop plants?

What are various ways of value addition in fruits and vegetables?

What is protein energy malnutrition? Give micronutrient deficiency in women and children.

What is food security? Indicate the major constraints in food procurement and distribution.