UPSC CSE Mains Exam 2023 Agriculture Optional Paper 2

 

UPSC CSE Mains Exam 2023 Agriculture Optional Paper 2

SECTION A

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

Q1.(a) Enumerate the functions of Endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus. (10 Marks)

Q1.(b) Explain inbreeding depression and its effect in crops. Also explain the degrees of inbreeding depression. (10 Marks)

Q1.(c) Briefly discuss the requirements for production of certified seeds. (10 Marks)

Q1.(d) Give the classification of soil water. Briefly discuss soil moisture availability with respect to soil type. (10 Marks)

Q1.(e) Write down about the origin and domestication of rice. (10 Marks)

Q2.(a) Enlist the molecular models of cell membrane and explain the models given by S.J. Singer and G. Nicholson (1972), Green and Capaldi (1974) and Racker (1976). (20 Marks)

Q2.(b) Give an account of seven different pairs of contrasting characters whose inheritance was studied by Mendel in Garden Pea (Pisum sativum). Give the reasons for Mendel's success in the study. (20 Marks)

Q2.(c) Explain various theories of inheritance. Write down the evidences suggesting the presence of cytoplasmic inheritance in the crosses' results. (10 Marks)

Q3.(a) Describe the history of plant breeding in India. Write the objectives of plant breeding and methods for creation of variability for crop improvement. (20 Marks)

Q3.(b) Describe Systemic Acquired Resistance (SAR) and source of disease resistance with suitable examples. Write the advantages of breeding for disease resistance in plants. (20 Marks)

Q3.(c) What do you understand by graft incompatibility? Describe the symptoms and causes of graft incompatibility in plants with suitable examples. (10 Marks)

Q4.(a) Discuss different forms of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in India. (20 Marks)

Q4.(b) Give an account of stomate anatomy and cytology. Write down the effect of light, water deficit, CO₂ concentration and temperature on stomatal movement along with the underlying mechanism. (20 Marks)

Q4.(c) Describe the role of State Seed Certification Agencies. (10 Marks)

SECTION B

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

Q5.(a) Write down the constraints of fruit processing industry in India. (10 Marks)

Q5.(b) Describe mentha cultivation with reference to varieties, soil and climate, nutrient management and processing. (10 Marks)

Q5.(c) Enlist the role of auxins in agriculture, with suitable examples. (10 Marks)

Q5.(d) Briefly discuss Integrated Pest Management in cotton. (10 Marks)

Q5.(e) Briefly discuss the micronutrient deficiencies observed in children and women in India along with the diseases associated with them. (10 Marks)

Q6.(a) Describe the principles, components and strategies for Integrated Disease Management in crops. Write down its application in management of rice blast and bacterial blight of pomegranate. (20 Marks)

Q6.(b) Discuss the package of Guava cultivation with reference to soil and climate, propagation, varieties, disease management and bahar treatment. (20 Marks)

Q6.(c) Briefly discuss round-the-year marigold cultivation with reference to varieties, sowing and transplanting, disease management and value-addition. (10 Marks)

Q7.(a) Enlist various photosynthetic pigments. Give a detailed account of chlorophyll synthesis along with the enzymes involved in the process. Also mention the role of carotenoids in photosynthesis. (20 Marks)

Q7.(b) List the reactions of Calvin Cycle and Hatch-Slack Cycle for CO₂ fixation in plants along with enzymes involved. (20 Marks)

Q7.(c) Briefly discuss the pathways of carbohydrate metabolism in plants. (10 Marks)

Q8.(a) How has food production, including horticultural crops, changed in India during the last one decade? Write down its impact on food and nutritional security. (20 Marks)

Q8.(b) Write down the various programmes run by State and Central Governments for ensuring food security in our country. Briefly discuss the strategies for sustainable agricultural production. (20 Marks)

Q8.(c) Classify foods on the basis of their functions. Write down a balanced diet for a sedentary man and woman in India. (10 Marks)