Syllabus for IAS Agriculture Optional Paper – 2

 

Syllabus for IAS Agriculture Optional Paper – 2

2.1.0 Genetics

2.1.1 Cell Structure, Function, and Cell Cycle

2.1.2 Synthesis, Structure, and Function of Genetic Material

2.1.3 Laws of Heredity

2.1.4 Chromosome Structure

2.1.5 Chromosomal Aberrations

2.1.6 Linkage and Crossover, and Their Significance in Recombination Breeding

2.1.7 Polyploidy, Euploidy, and Aneuploidy

2.1.8 Mutations and Their Role in Crop Improvement

2.1.9 Heritability, Sterility, Incompatibility, Classification, and Their Application in Crop Improvement

2.1.10 Cytoplasmic Inheritance

2.1.11 Sex-Linked, Sex-Influenced, and Sex-Limited Characters

2.2.0 Plant Breeding

2.2.1 History of Plant Breeding

2.2.2 Modes of Reproduction, Selfing, and Crossing Techniques

2.2.3 Origin, Evolution, and Domestication of Crop Plants, Centre of Origin, Law of Homologous Series, Crop Genetic Resources – Conservation and Utilization

2.2.4 Application of Principles of Plant Breeding and Improvement of Crop Plants

2.2.5 Molecular Markers and Their Application in Plant Improvement

2.2.6 Pure-Line Selection, Pedigree, Mass, and Recurrent Selections

2.2.7 Combining Ability and Its Significance in Plant Breeding

2.2.8 Heterosis and Its Exploitation

2.2.9 Somatic Hybridization

2.2.10 Breeding for Disease and Pest Resistance

2.2.11 Role of Interspecific and Intergeneric Hybridization

2.2.12 Role of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology in Crop Improvement

2.2.13 Genetically Modified Crop Plants

2.3.0 Seed Science

2.3.1 Seed Production and Processing Technologies

2.3.2 Seed Certification, Seed Testing, and Storage

2.3.3 DNA Fingerprinting and Seed Registration

2.3.4 Role of Public and Private Sectors in Seed Production and Marketing

2.3.5 Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Issues, WTO Issues, and Their Impact on Agriculture

2.4.0 Biochemistry and Plant Physiology

2.4.1 Principles of Plant Physiology with Reference to Plant Nutrition, Absorption, Translocation, and Metabolism of Nutrients

2.4.2 Soil–Water–Plant Relationship

2.4.3 Enzymes and Plant Pigments

2.4.4 Photosynthesis: Modern Concepts and Factors Affecting the Process

2.4.5 Aerobic and Anaerobic Respiration

2.4.6 C₃, C₄, and CAM Mechanisms

2.4.7 Carbohydrate, Protein, and Fat Metabolism

2.4.8 Growth and Development

2.4.9 Photoperiodism and Vernalization

2.4.10 Plant Growth Substances and Their Role in Crop Production

2.4.11 Physiology of Seed Development, Germination, and Seed Dormancy

2.4.12 Stress Physiology: Drought, Salt, and Water Stress

2.5.0 Horticulture

2.5.1 Major Fruits, Plantation Crops, Vegetables, Spices, and Flower Crops

2.5.2 Package Practices of Major Horticultural Crops

2.5.3 Protected Cultivation and High-Tech Horticulture

2.5.4 Post-Harvest Technology and Value Addition of Fruits and Vegetables

2.5.5 Landscaping and Commercial Floriculture

2.5.6 Medicinal and Aromatic Plants

2.5.7 Role of Fruits and Vegetables in Human Nutrition

2.6.0 Crop Protection

2.6.1 Diagnosis of Pests and Diseases of Field Crops, Vegetables, Orchards, and Plantation Crops and Their Economic Importance

2.6.2 Classification of Pests and Diseases and Their Management

2.6.3 Integrated Pest and Disease Management

2.6.4 Storage Pests and Their Management

2.6.5 Biological Control of Pests and Diseases

2.6.6 Epidemiology and Forecasting of Major Crop Pests and Diseases

2.6.7 Plant Quarantine Measures

2.6.8 Pesticides, Their Formulation, and Modes of Action

2.7.0 Food Science

2.7.1 Food Production and Consumption Trends in India

2.7.2 Food Security and Growing Population: Vision 2020

2.7.3 Reasons for Grain Surplus

2.7.4 National and International Food Policies

2.7.5 Production, Procurement, and Distribution Constraints

2.7.6 Availability of Food Grains and Per Capita Expenditure on Food

2.7.7 Trends in Poverty, Public Distribution System, Below Poverty Line Population, and Targeted Public Distribution System (PDS)

2.7.8 Policy Implementation in the Context of Globalization

2.7.9 Processing Constraints

2.7.10 Relation of Food Production to National Dietary Guidelines and Food Consumption Patterns

2.7.11 Food-Based Dietary Approaches to Eliminate Hunger

2.7.12 Nutrient Deficiency: Macronutrient Deficiency, Protein-Energy Malnutrition or Protein-Calorie Malnutrition (PEM or PCM)

2.7.13 Micronutrient Deficiency and HRD in the Context of Work Capacity of Women and Children

2.7.14 Food Grain Productivity and Food Security