(Download) UPSC MAIN EXAM : 2019 AGRICULTURE (Paper-2)

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(Download) CS (MAIN) EXAM:2019 AGRICULTURE (Paper II)

Exam Name: CS (MAIN) EXAM:2019 AGRICULTURE (Paper II)
Marks: 250
Time Allowed : Three Hours

SECTION 'A'

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

(a) Define mutation. Write its classification and role in crop improvement. 10
(b) Define dormant and hard seeds. Describe the physiological basis of seed dormancy along with methods to overcome this problem. 10
(c) What makes a nutrient element become essential for plant growth and development ? Which is the latest addition in the existing list of 16 essential plant nutrients ? Mention its deficiency symptoms and functions. 10
(d) How is the patent system different from plant variety protection system? 10
(e) Enlist the storage pests of pulses with their nature of damage. Write their management practices.

Q2. (a) What are the major components that constitute cell structure ? Describe their functions. 20
(b) method and give its importance in crop improvement, with suitable examples.
(c) Write important objectives of seed testing along with the methods used for testing of seed viability, seed vigour and genetic purity of a variety. 15

Q3. (a) Explain the role of plant growth substances in the various developmental stages of a plant with special reference to horticultural crops. 20
(b) Discuss the reasons for food grain surplus. Describe food grain production and consumption trends in India. 15
(c) Explain sterility systems in crop plants. Describe the role of male sterility in hybrid seed production in vegetable crops with suitable examples. 15

Q4. (a) Write the various methods of plant breeding and describe the back cross method with its importance in development of crop varieties.
(b) Describe the various types of field and seed standards followed in seed production and certification programmes.15
(c) Name the major fruit crops along with the states commercially growing these crops. Describe the package of practices for papaya cultivation in India. 15

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SECTION 'B'

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

(a) How are vitamins classified ? Name the blood clotting vitamin. Give its various functions and sources. 10
(b) What is polyploidy ? Describe its application in crop improvement with its limitations.
(c) Describe the role of plant genetic resources conservation in crop improvement.
(d) Write the merits and limitations of using genetically modified crops. Present a brief account on the application of GM technology in India. 10
(e) “The rate of transpiration governs the growth of a plant.” Justify the statement with reasoning for how transpiration is influenced by the environment.10

Q6. (a) Define protected cultivation along with its major advantages and challenges for adoption in India. Describe the plastic low tunnel technology for off-season cultivation of vegetables.
(b) various Laws of Heredity. Explain the Law of Independent Assortment with suitable examples.
(c) Write in detail about bacterial diseases of crop plants and their suitable management practices.

Q7. (a) Give the present status of vegetable cultivation in India and describe the package of practices of rabi and kharif onion cultivation in India.
(b) What is pesticide resistance ? Differentiate between simple and multiple resistance in insect pests with examples. Prescribe measures to overcome pesticide resistance problems
(c) Describe gene pyramiding and gene introgression with their importance in developing disease resistant varieties.

Q8.(a) Name the commercial floriculture crops being grown in India. Describe the package of practices of year round cultivation of chrysanthemum in India.
(b) Elaborate the role of seed industry in the development of Indian agriculture.
(c) Write the principles of biological control of plant pathogens. Describe the recent trends in bio-control strategies in the field of crop disease management