UPSC CSE Mains Exam 2022 Agriculture Optional Paper 2

 

UPSC CSE Mains Exam 2022 Agriculture Optional Paper 2

SECTION A

Q1. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: 10x5=50

Q1.(a) What is polyploidy? Give a brief account of classification of polyploids. (10 Marks)

Q1.(b) What are the applications of mass selection in self-pollinated crops? Describe its merits and demerits. (10 Marks)

Q1.(c) What do you understand by the vertical and horizontal disease resistance in crop plants? (10 Marks)

Q1.(d) Define seed quality. Describe the characteristics of a seed which decide its quality. (10 Marks)

Q1.(e) Define matric potential, osmotic potential and turgor potential, and explain their interrelationships with water potential. (10 Marks)

Q2.(a) Discuss the structure of a plant chromosome and its role in genetic diversity. (20 Marks)

Q2.(b) Discuss the concept of centre of origin of crops and its role in plant breeding. Describe the role of N. I. Vavilov in identifying centre of origin of various crops with appropriate examples. (20 Marks)

Q2.(c) What are the factors that affect the longevity of seeds during storage in warehouses? Describe. (10 Marks)

Q3.(a) What do you mean by mutation? What is the significance of induced mutation in plant breeding? (20 Marks)

Q3.(b) Describe in brief the applications of genetic engineering for insect and herbicide resistance in crop plants. (20 Marks)

Q3.(c) What is the need for protection of intellectual property rights of traditional knowledge? Explain sui generis protection of traditional knowledge. (10 Marks)

Q4.(a) Discuss the mechanisms of absorption and translocation of mineral nutrients in plants. (20 Marks)

Q4.(b) Define aneuploidy. Give an account of morphological and cytological functions of aneuploidy, and discuss its application in crop improvement. (20 Marks)

Q4.(c) Explain the techniques involved in somatic hybridization in crop plants. (10 Marks)

SECTION B

Q5. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: 10x5=50

Q5.(a) Give a detailed account of sucrose metabolism in plants. (10 Marks)

Q5.(b) Enlist and explain the symptoms of plant diseases which disrupt the photosynthesis function. (10 Marks)

Q5.(c) What are pesticide formulations? Discuss the different types of formulations used in pest control. (10 Marks)

Q5.(d) Enlist and explain the salient features of Public Distribution System as per the provisions of the National Food Security Act, 2013. (10 Marks)

Q5.(e) Enlist and explain the efforts of the Government of India in streamlining the current levels of poverty. (10 Marks)

Q6.(a) Describe the vicious cycle of poverty and enlist the existing policy instruments for combating malnutrition. (20 Marks)

Q6.(b) Enlist and explain 'Dos' and 'Don'ts' in pesticides' usage with reference to purchase, handling, application and disposal of pesticides. (20 Marks)

Q6.(c) Define biotic stress in plants. Explain the role of salicylic acid in a plant's response to biotic stress. (10 Marks)

Q7.(a) Enlist the different commercial flowers cultivated on a large scale for cut flower trade. Briefly discuss the factors affecting the keeping quality of cut flowers and the remedies. (20 Marks)

Q7.(b) Discuss photorespiration. What is the relationship between photorespiration and photosynthesis? (20 Marks)

Q7.(c) Enlist and explain the issues and challenges in the growth of food processing industry in India. (10 Marks)

Q8.(a) Enlist the seed spices grown in India. Briefly discuss the cultivation and post-harvest management practices for coriander and cumin. (20 Marks)

Q8.(b) Describe the various methods of pest control with appropriate examples. (20 Marks)

Q8.(c) What is food security? Why is it essential? Describe the current food security system in India. (10 Marks)