PYQs - IBPS SO AFO Mains Exam 2024 (Agriculture Knowledge)

 

IBPS SO AFO Mains Exam 2024 (Agriculture Knowledge)

Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Q(1). Lint index is the weight of lint from how many seeds?

(a.) 50

(b.) 100

(c.) 400

(d.) 200

(e.) 800

Q(2). Branches that arise from the basal node of the crown of cereals and grasses are called?

(a.) Sucker

(b.) Tiller

(c.) Branching

(d.) Auxiliary bud

(e.) Shoot

Q(3). Which plant is used for ex-situ green manure?

(a.) Green gram

(b.) Dhaincha

(c.) Rice bean

(d.) Cowpea

(e.) Subabul

Q(4). Unit of specific leaf area?

(a.) cm

(b.) Meter

(c.) Meter square per kg

(d.) g/cm²

(e.) cm²/g

Q(5). Ratio of yield of photochemical product to the total number of quanta required?

(a.) Phosphorescence

(b.) Quantum required

(c.) Quantum quenchement

(d.) Fluorescence

(e.) Quantum yield

Q(6). Which of the following is not the main function of lubricating oil?

(a.) Reduces wear and temperature

(b.) Maintains working temperature

(c.) Reduces energy used in friction pressure

(d.) Acts as a seal between piston and cylinder

(e.) Prevents parts from rubbing

Q(7). According to CRIDA, what is the depth for deep ploughing?

(a.) 25-30 cm

(b.) 5-6 cm

(c.) 15-20 cm

(d.) 10-15 cm

(e.) 30-40 cm

Q(8). Minimum isolation distance of pearl millet hybrid for certified seeds?

(a.) 200 meters

(b.) 500 meters

(c.) 1000 meters

(d.) 400 meters

(e.) 300 meters

Q(9). In which of the following plants does epigeal germination occur?

(a.) Rice

(b.) Mango

(c.) Soybean

(d.) Maize

(e.) Wheat

Q(10). Which of the following is a photoblastic seed?

(a.) Lettuce

(b.) Carrot

(c.) Rice

(d.) Gram

(e.) Cucumber

Q(11). Changing the amino acid sequence of a protein without altering its activity is known as?

(a.) Nonsense mutation

(b.) Silent mutation

(c.) Neutral mutation

(d.) Frameshift mutation

(e.) Reverse mutation

Q(12). Mitochondria and chloroplasts carry out oxidative phosphorylation and photophosphorylation reactions by means of?

(a.) Energy from electrochemical gradient

(b.) Chemiosmotic coupling

(c.) High-energy integrated coupling

(d.) Sliding filaments

(e.) Conformational coupling

Q(13). Which Downy mildew species have obtuse sporangia and secondary and tertiary branches at right angles?

(a.) Pseudoperonospora

(b.) Sclerospora

(c.) Bremia

(d.) Plasmopara

(e.) Sporangiospora

Q(14). Ooze test is used to detect which pathogen?

(a.) Bacteria

(b.) Fungi

(c.) Protozoa

(d.) Virus

(e.) Viroid

Q(15). The gestation period of sheep is?

(a.) 147 ± 3 days

(b.) 135 ± 5 days

(c.) 280 ± 3 days

(d.) 390 ± 2 days

(e.) 114 ± 3 days

Q(16). In animal husbandry, the term “stag” is used for?

(a.) Castrated male pig

(b.) Castrated male horse

(c.) Castrated male sheep

(d.) Castrated male cow

(e.) Castrated male goat

Q(17). Albumin percentage is how much part of a fowl egg?

(a.) 48%

(b.) 58%

(c.) 43%

(d.) 60%

(e.) 65%

Q(18). How much-covered area is required for a cow (in square feet)?

(a.) 20-30 sq. ft.

(b.) 35-45 sq. ft.

(c.) 60-75 sq. ft.

(d.) 80-100 sq. ft.

(e.) 15-25 sq. ft.

Q(19). Mad Cow disease is caused due to which spreading agent?

(a.) Virus

(b.) Prions

(c.) Protozoa

(d.) Bacteria

(e.) Fungi

Q(20). Kew, Queen, and Mauritius are varieties of which fruit crop?

(a.) Pineapple

(b.) Litchi

(c.) Guava

(d.) Mango

(e.) Sapota

Q(21). Which is not a polyembryonic variety of mango?

(a.) Olour

(b.) Chausa

(c.) Goa

(d.) Carabao

(e.) Chanderkaran

Q(22). Planting fruit trees at closer spacing than recommended to maximize productivity is called?

(a.) High-density planting system

(b.) Quincunx system

(c.) Contour system

(d.) Cluster system

(e.) Hexagonal system

Q(23). Dog ridge is related to?

(a.) Salt-tolerant rootstock of litchi

(b.) Salt-tolerant rootstock of grapes

(c.) Salt-tolerant rootstock of mango

(d.) Salt-tolerant rootstock of rose

(e.) Salt-tolerant rootstock of citrus

Q(24). Removal of small buds to get large size flowers is known as?

(a.) Pinching

(b.) Topping

(c.) Disbudding

(d.) Desuckering

(e.) Thinning

Q(25). Which budding technique involves replacing a rectangular patch of bark with a patch containing a bud?

(a.) Patch budding

(b.) Inverted T budding

(c.) Shield T budding

(d.) Chip budding

(e.) Ring budding

Q(26). Molybdenum deficiency in broccoli causes?

(a.) Whiptail

(b.) Akiochi

(c.) Khaira

(d.) White bud

(e.) Leaf curl

Q(27). The terms Marmi, curl, and crush are related to which crop?

(a.) Tea

(b.) Coffee

(c.) Sugarcane

(d.) Cocoa

(e.) Tobacco

Q(28). Which chemical is responsible for the black color of black tea?

(a.) Tannin

(b.) Thioflavin

(c.) Catechins

(d.) Polyphenols

(e.) Flavonoids

Q(29). Chitala chitala is the state fish of which state?

(a.) Andhra Pradesh

(b.) West Bengal

(c.) Uttar Pradesh

(d.) Odisha

(e.) Bihar

Q(30). The agency responsible for the export of fishes and culture fisheries is?

(a.) NAFED

(b.) MPEDA

(c.) APEDA

(d.) FCI

(e.) ICAR

Q(31). Chloride cells are present in which organ of teleost fishes?

(a.) Bladder

(b.) Gill

(c.) Brain

(d.) Kidney

(e.) Liver

Q(32). Which gardening technique involves rearing fish and plants simultaneously?

(a.) Composite fish farming

(b.) Integrated fish farming

(c.) Aquaponics fish farming

(d.) Hydroponics

(e.) Biofloc fish farming

Q(33). NBFGR (National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources) is located at?

(a.) Lucknow

(b.) New Delhi

(c.) Hyderabad

(d.) Chennai

(e.) Karnal

Q(34). Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana provides a minimum pension of how much to small and marginal farmers?

(a.) ₹6000

(b.) ₹5000

(c.) ₹2000

(d.) ₹3000

(e.) ₹4000

Q(35). Under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM), what percentage of subsidy is given to farmers?

(a.) 70%

(b.) 60%

(c.) 40%

(d.) 30%

(e.) 50%

Q(36). Which of the following is not covered by Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana?

(a.) Calamities like floods and dry spells

(b.) Pest infestation yield loss

(c.) Local natural calamities like earthquakes and landslides

(d.) Losses due to cyclones and cyclone rains after harvesting

(e.) Loss due to war and acts of enmity

Q(37). The scheme under PM Kisan Sampada Scheme aimed at creating infrastructure facilities along the supply chain is?

(a.) Mega Food Parks

(b.) Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure

(c.) Creation/Expansion of Food Processing/Preservation Capacities

(d.) Infrastructure for Agro-Processing Clusters

(e.) Operation Green

Q(38). The smallest set of indicators needed to characterize soil quality or function is known as?

(a.) Soil Health Index (SHI)

(b.) Threshold dataset

(c.) Soil Quality Index (SQI)

(d.) Soil Conditioning Index (SCI)

(e.) Mechanically Dispersed Clay (MDC)

Q(39). Which chemical is used as a detector in the Neutron Moisture meter for soil moisture estimation?

(a.) Be and BF₃

(b.) Am and BF₃

(c.) Am and Be

(d.) BF₃

(e.) Ra and B

Q(40). Reduction or loss of productivity in arid and semi-arid areas due to land uses or climatic variations is called?

(a.) Land degradation

(b.) Land improvement

(c.) Land amelioration

(d.) Land revitalization

(e.) Land augmentation

Q(41). Inclusion of microorganisms in soil to enhance pollutant degradation is known as?

(a.) Enhancing rhizosphere phytoremediation

(b.) Biostimulation

(c.) Bioaugmentation

(d.) All of the above

(e.) None of the above

Q(42). The pF value for the hygroscopic coefficient is?

(a.) 4.25

(b.) 4.5

(c.) 1.25

(d.) 2.5

(e.) 2.8

Q(43). The property enabling clay/soil to take up water and maintain shape after deformation pressure is called?

(a.) Permeability

(b.) Porosity

(c.) Plasticity

(d.) Compressibility

(e.) Cohesion

Q(44). What is defined as the origin, classification, and description of soil?

(a.) Pedology

(b.) Edaphology

(c.) Soil Taxonomy

(d.) Soil Classification

(e.) Soil Science

Q(45). The aroma in rice is due to?

(a.) 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline

(b.) 5-acetyl-1-pyrroline

(c.) 1-acetyl-2-pyrroline

(d.) 2-acetyl-3-pyrroline

(e.) 3-acetyl-2-pyrroline

Q(46). Which is known as the miracle rice variety?

(a.) IR 8 Miracle Rice of the world

(b.) Jaya Miracle Rice of India

(c.) Sona Miracle Rice

(d.) BPT Miracle Rice

(e.) Pusa Miracle Rice

Q(47). Rhizobium species used in lentil?

(a.) Rhizobium melliloti

(b.) Rhizobium leguminosarum

(c.) Rhizobium phaseoli

(d.) Rhizobium trifolii

(e.) Rhizobium japonicum

Q(48). Which crop is used as a trap crop to control red hairy caterpillar in groundnut?

(a.) Sesame

(b.) Maize

(c.) Cowpea

(d.) Potato

(e.) Rice

Q(49). Which is the 4th essential nutrient element for pulses and oilseeds?

(a.) Calcium

(b.) Sulphur

(c.) Nitrogen

(d.) Phosphorus

(e.) Iron

Q(50). Process of removing excess soil water using bioenergy of deep-rooted plants?

(a.) Eco drainage

(b.) Phyto drainage

(c.) Vertical drainage

(d.) Bio drainage

(e.) Hydraulic drainage

Q(51). Which of the following is known as the fertilizer tree?

(a.) Coconut

(b.) Gliricidia

(c.) Banana

(d.) Mango

(e.) Neem

Q(52). Ideal character of tree species for alley cropping?

(a.) Releasing allelochemicals

(b.) Shallow roots

(c.) N₂ fixer

(d.) Palm species

(e.) Non-legume

Q(53). To measure tree height without using any trigonometric formula?

(a.) Geological altimeter

(b.) Abney’s level

(c.) Brandis hypsometer

(d.) Laser hypsometer

(e.) Clinometer

Q(54). Which one is an effective post-workout natural recovery drink?

(a.) Greek yogurt

(b.) Coconut water

(c.) Whey protein

(d.) Calatrode

(e.) Chocolate milk

Q(55). Paecilomyces lilacinus is applied for controlling?

(a.) Termite

(b.) Downy mildew

(c.) Powdery mildew

(d.) Rust

(e.) Root knot nematode

Q(56). Damping off in tomato occurs due to?

(a.) Fungi

(b.) Virus

(c.) Bacteria

(d.) Viroid

(e.) Protozoa

Q(57). The National Research Centre for Integrated Pest Management is located in?

(a.) New Delhi

(b.) Lucknow

(c.) Chennai

(d.) Karnal

(e.) Dehradun

Q(58). The pest population level at which expected crop damage exceeds the cost of control measures is known as?

(a.) Economic injury level

(b.) Economic threshold level

(c.) Damage boundary

(d.) Action threshold

(e.) Pest population threshold

Q(59). Time required to kill a known population of microorganisms at a given lethal temperature is referred to as?

(a.) C value

(b.) D value

(c.) Z value

(d.) F value

(e.) A value

Q(60). The mating of animals of a wider degree of relativity than those selected for close breeding is known as?

(a.) Outcrossing

(b.) Close breeding

(c.) Cross breeding

(d.) Crisscrossing

(e.) Line breeding

Answer and Explanations:

Ans.(1). (b.) 100; Explanation: Lint index is defined as the weight of lint obtained from 100 cotton seeds. It is a key quality parameter used to evaluate ginning outturn and fibre quality in cotton breeding programmes. The value helps in selecting superior genotypes with higher lint recovery. Other options (50, 400, 200, 800) do not match the standard definition of lint index used by ICAR and cotton research institutes.

Ans.(2). (b.) Tiller; Explanation: Branches that arise from the basal node of the crown in cereals and grasses are called tillers. Tillering is a critical growth stage that directly determines the number of productive shoots and final grain yield. Sucker (a) is used in banana, branching (c) is a general term, auxiliary bud (d) is the origin point and shoot (e) is too broad; none specifically describe basal crown branches in cereals.

Ans.(3). (e.) Subabul; Explanation: Subabul (Leucaena leucocephala) is widely used for ex-situ green manure because of its fast growth, high biomass production and excellent nitrogen-fixing ability. The green leaves and twigs are cut and incorporated into soil away from the main field. Green gram, dhaincha, rice bean and cowpea are primarily used as in-situ green manuring crops grown and incorporated in the same field.

Ans.(4). (c.) Meter square per kg; Explanation: Specific leaf area (SLA) is expressed in meter square per kg (m²/kg). It measures leaf area per unit dry mass and is an important indicator of photosynthetic efficiency and leaf thickness. The unit cm (a), meter (b), g/cm² (d) and cm²/g (e) are incorrect; SLA is always reported as area per unit mass.

Ans.(5). (e.) Quantum yield; Explanation: Quantum yield is the ratio of yield of photochemical product to the total number of quanta required (or absorbed). It quantifies the efficiency of light reactions in photosynthesis. Phosphorescence (a), quantum required (b), quantum quenching (c) and fluorescence (d) are related light phenomena but do not define this ratio.

Ans.(6). (d.) Acts as a seal between piston and cylinder; Explanation: Acts as a seal between piston and cylinder is not the main function of lubricating oil. The primary functions are to reduce wear and temperature, maintain working temperature, reduce energy used in friction and prevent parts from rubbing. Sealing is mainly performed by piston rings, not lubricating oil.

Ans.(7). (a.) 25-30 cm; Explanation: According to CRIDA (Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture), the recommended depth for deep ploughing is 25-30 cm. This depth effectively breaks hard pans, improves root penetration and enhances water infiltration in rainfed areas. Shallower depths (5-6 cm, 15-20 cm, 10-15 cm) represent normal or shallow tillage and 30-40 cm is excessively deep for most soils.

Ans.(8). (a.) 200 meters; Explanation: The minimum isolation distance required for pearl millet hybrid certified seed production is 200 metres to prevent cross-pollination and maintain genetic purity as per Indian seed certification standards. Greater distances (500 m, 1000 m, 400 m, 300 m) are either for foundation seed or other crops with stricter requirements.

Ans.(9). (c.) Soybean; Explanation: Epigeal germination occurs in soybean where the cotyledons are pushed above the soil surface by the elongating hypocotyl. In rice, maize and wheat (hypogeal) the cotyledons remain below ground. Mango shows hypogeal germination with a large seed.

Ans.(10). (a.) Lettuce; Explanation: Lettuce seeds are photoblastic (light-sensitive) and require light for germination; they exhibit positive photoblastic behaviour. Most other crops like carrot, rice, gram and cucumber are non-photoblastic or negatively photoblastic.

Ans.(11). (b.) Silent mutation; Explanation: A silent mutation changes the amino acid sequence in DNA but does not alter protein activity due to the degeneracy (redundancy) of the genetic code. Nonsense mutation (a) introduces a stop codon, neutral mutation (c) may affect function slightly, frameshift (d) alters reading frame and reverse mutation (e) restores original sequence.

Ans.(12). (a.) Energy from electrochemical gradient; Explanation: Mitochondria and chloroplasts carry out oxidative phosphorylation and photophosphorylation by utilising energy from electrochemical gradient (proton motive force) across the membrane. Chemiosmotic coupling (b) is the mechanism, but the direct energy source is the electrochemical gradient. Other options describe unrelated muscle or mechanical processes.

Ans.(13). (d.) Plasmopara; Explanation: Plasmopara species of downy mildew have obtuse sporangia with secondary and tertiary branches at right angles, which is a key diagnostic morphological feature. Other genera (Pseudoperonospora, Sclerospora, Bremia) have different branching patterns.

Ans.(14). (a.) Bacteria; Explanation: The ooze test is a rapid diagnostic method used to detect bacterial pathogens by observing bacterial ooze from infected tissue when cut and placed in water. It is not used for fungi, protozoa, viruses or viroids.

Ans.(15). (a.) 147 ± 3 days; Explanation: The gestation period of sheep is 147 ± 3 days. This is shorter than cattle (280 days) and longer than pigs (114 days). Accurate knowledge of gestation length is essential for timely management of pregnant ewes.

Ans.(16). (a.) Castrated male pig; Explanation: In animal husbandry terminology, stag specifically refers to a castrated male pig. Castrated male horse is gelding, sheep is wether, cow is steer and goat is wether.

Ans.(17). (b.) 58%; Explanation: Albumin constitutes approximately 58% of the total weight of a fowl egg. It is the major protein-rich portion providing nutrition to the developing embryo. Other percentages do not match standard egg composition data.

Ans.(18). (a.) 20-30 sq. ft.; Explanation: A mature cow requires a covered area of 20-30 square feet in the shed for comfortable housing as per standard livestock housing norms. This space prevents overcrowding and reduces stress-related diseases. Larger areas (35-45, 60-75, 80-100 sq. ft.) are for loose housing systems or calves.

Ans.(19). (b.) Prions; Explanation: Mad Cow disease (bovine spongiform encephalopathy) is caused by prions — infectious misfolded proteins. It is not caused by virus, protozoa, bacteria or fungi. Prions are highly resistant and cause fatal neurodegenerative disorders.

Ans.(20). (a.) Pineapple; Explanation: Kew, Queen and Mauritius are commercially important varieties of pineapple (Ananas comosus). These varieties differ in fruit size, sweetness and suitability for processing. They are not varieties of litchi, guava, mango or sapota.

Ans.(21). (b.) Chausa; Explanation: Chausa is not a polyembryonic variety of mango. Polyembryonic varieties produce multiple embryos per seed (nucellar embryos). Olour, Goa, Carabao and Chanderkaran are polyembryonic, while Chausa is monoembryonic.

Ans.(22). (a.) High-density planting system; Explanation: High-density planting system involves planting fruit trees at closer spacing than recommended to maximise productivity per unit area, often supported by training and pruning. Other systems like quincunx, contour, cluster or hexagonal follow standard spacing norms.

Ans.(23). (b.) Salt-tolerant rootstock of grapes; Explanation: Dog ridge is a well-known salt-tolerant rootstock of grapes used in saline soils to impart tolerance to scion varieties. It is not used for litchi, mango, rose or citrus.

Ans.(24). (c.) Disbudding; Explanation: Disbudding is the removal of small buds to encourage the development of large size flowers with better quality and market value. Pinching and topping remove shoot tips, desuckering removes suckers and thinning removes excess fruits or flowers.

Ans.(25). (a.) Patch budding; Explanation: Patch budding involves replacing a rectangular patch of bark with a similar patch containing a bud from the desired scion. It is commonly used in thick-barked plants. Other techniques like inverted T, shield T, chip and ring budding use different shapes of cuts.

Ans.(26). (a.) Whiptail; Explanation: Molybdenum deficiency in broccoli causes whiptail — a characteristic disorder where leaves become narrow, elongated and whip-like. Akiochi is in rice, khaira in rice, white bud in cauliflower and leaf curl is a viral symptom.

Ans.(27). (a.) Tea; Explanation: The terms Marmi, curl and crush are related to the crushing, tearing and curling (CTC) process in tea manufacturing. These steps are critical for black tea production and do not apply to coffee, sugarcane, cocoa or tobacco processing.

Ans.(28). (b.) Thioflavin; Explanation: Thioflavin is the chemical compound responsible for the black colour of black tea formed during fermentation and oxidation of polyphenols. Tannin and catechins are precursors, while polyphenols and flavonoids are broader classes.

Ans.(29). (c.) Uttar Pradesh; Explanation: Chitala chitala (Clown knife fish or Moon fish) is the state fish of Uttar Pradesh. It is a unique knife fish found in the Ganga river system and has cultural significance in the state.

Ans.(30). (b.) MPEDA; Explanation: MPEDA (Marine Products Export Development Authority) is the agency responsible for the export of fishes and culture fisheries products from India. NAFED, APEDA, FCI and ICAR have different mandates.

Ans.(31). (b.) Gill; Explanation: Chloride cells are specialised cells present in the gill epithelium of teleost fishes. They play a vital role in osmoregulation and ion transport in both freshwater and marine environments. They are not found in bladder, brain, kidney or liver.

Ans.(32). (c.) Aquaponics fish farming; Explanation: Aquaponics fish farming is the gardening technique that involves rearing fish and plants simultaneously in a symbiotic system where fish waste provides nutrients for plants. It is different from composite, integrated, hydroponics or biofloc systems.

Ans.(33). (a.) Lucknow; Explanation: NBFGR (National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources) is located at Lucknow. It is the premier institute under ICAR for conservation, cataloguing and utilisation of fish genetic resources in India.

Ans.(34). (d.) ₹3000; Explanation: Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana provides a minimum pension of ₹3000 per month to small and marginal farmers upon reaching 60 years of age. It is a voluntary and contributory pension scheme.

Ans.(35). (b.) 60%; Explanation: Under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM), farmers receive 60% subsidy for installation of solar pumps and other renewable energy systems. The subsidy structure encourages adoption of solar energy in agriculture.

Ans.(36). (e.) Loss due to war and acts of enmity; Explanation: Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) does not cover losses due to war and acts of enmity. It covers natural calamities, pests, diseases, floods, dry spells, cyclones and post-harvest losses under specified conditions.

Ans.(37). (b.) Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure; Explanation: The component Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure under PM Kisan Sampada Scheme is aimed at creating infrastructure facilities along the supply chain for processing, preservation and value addition of agricultural produce.

Ans.(38). (b.) Threshold dataset; Explanation: The smallest set of indicators needed to characterise soil quality or function is known as threshold dataset. It is used in minimum data set approaches for soil health assessment. Soil Health Index, Soil Quality Index, etc., are derived indices.

Ans.(39). (d.) BF₃; Explanation: BF₃ (Boron Trifluoride) is used as the detector in the Neutron Moisture Meter for accurate estimation of soil moisture content. It detects slow neutrons produced by collision with hydrogen atoms in soil water.

Ans.(40). (a.) Land degradation; Explanation: Reduction or loss of productivity in arid and semi-arid areas due to land uses or climatic variations is termed land degradation. It is a major concern in dryland agriculture and requires conservation measures.

Ans.(41). (c.) Bioaugmentation; Explanation: Bioaugmentation is the inclusion of microorganisms in soil to enhance pollutant degradation. It is an important bioremediation technique. Biostimulation stimulates native microbes and rhizosphere phytoremediation uses plant roots.

Ans.(42). (b.) 4.5; Explanation: The pF value for the hygroscopic coefficient is 4.5. At this pF, soil water is held very tightly by adsorption forces and is unavailable to plants. Lower pF values represent gravitational or capillary water.

Ans.(43). (c.) Plasticity; Explanation: Plasticity is the property of clay/soil that enables it to take up water and maintain shape after deformation pressure is removed. It is a key physical property used in soil classification. Permeability, porosity, compressibility and cohesion are different properties.

Ans.(44). (a.) Pedology; Explanation: Pedology is defined as the study of the origin, classification and description of soil. It focuses on soil as a natural body. Edaphology studies soil in relation to plant growth.

Ans.(45). (a.) 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline; Explanation: The aroma in rice (especially Basmati and Jasmine) is primarily due to the volatile compound 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline. This compound gives the characteristic popcorn-like fragrance.

Ans.(46). (a.) IR 8 Miracle Rice of the world; Explanation: IR 8 is known as the Miracle Rice of the world. It was developed by IRRI and played a pivotal role in the Green Revolution due to its high yield potential and semi-dwarf stature.

Ans.(47). (b.) Rhizobium leguminosarum; Explanation: Rhizobium leguminosarum is the specific species used for symbiotic nitrogen fixation in lentil. Different Rhizobium species are specific to different legumes.

Ans.(48). (c.) Cowpea; Explanation: Cowpea is used as a trap crop to control red hairy caterpillar in groundnut. The pest prefers cowpea and gets diverted from the main groundnut crop.

Ans.(49). (b.) Sulphur; Explanation: Sulphur is considered the 4th essential nutrient element for pulses and oilseeds after N, P and K. It is critical for protein synthesis, oil content and chlorophyll formation in these crops.

Ans.(50). (d.) Bio drainage; Explanation: Bio drainage is the process of removing excess soil water using the bioenergy of deep-rooted plants through high transpiration rates. It is an eco-friendly alternative to conventional drainage systems.

Ans.(51). (b.) Gliricidia; Explanation: Gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium) is popularly known as the fertilizer tree because of its high nitrogen-fixing ability and use as green manure and live fence.

Ans.(52). (c.) N₂ fixer; Explanation: An ideal character of tree species for alley cropping is that it should be an N₂ fixer. Nitrogen-fixing trees improve soil fertility for the companion crop. Shallow roots, allelochemicals, palm species or non-legumes are not preferred.

Ans.(53). (b.) Abney’s level; Explanation: Abney’s level is a simple instrument used to measure tree height without using any trigonometric formula. It is especially useful in field conditions for forest inventory.

Ans.(54). (b.) Coconut water; Explanation: Coconut water is an effective post-workout natural recovery drink rich in electrolytes, carbohydrates and minerals that help in rapid rehydration and muscle recovery.

Ans.(55). (e.) Root knot nematode; Explanation: Paecilomyces lilacinus is a well-known biocontrol agent applied for controlling root knot nematode (Meloidogyne spp.). It parasitises nematode eggs and is used in integrated nematode management.

Ans.(56). (a.) Fungi; Explanation: Damping off in tomato is primarily caused by fungi such as Pythium, Rhizoctonia and Fusarium. It is a soil-borne disease leading to seedling collapse. Viral, bacterial, viroid or protozoan pathogens do not cause damping off.

Ans.(57). (a.) New Delhi; Explanation: The National Research Centre for Integrated Pest Management is located in New Delhi. It develops eco-friendly IPM strategies for major crops.

Ans.(58). (a.) Economic injury level; Explanation: The economic injury level is the pest population level at which the expected crop damage exceeds the cost of control measures. It is the basis for deciding when to apply control measures in IPM.

Ans.(59). (d.) F value; Explanation: The F value represents the time required to kill a known population of microorganisms at a given lethal temperature. It is a key parameter in thermal processing and sterilisation of food and soil.

Ans.(60). (e.) Line breeding; Explanation: Line breeding is the mating of animals of a wider degree of relativity than those selected for close breeding. It is used to maintain desirable traits within a line while avoiding extreme inbreeding depression. Outcrossing, cross breeding and crisscrossing involve even wider genetic relationships.