(Download) CS (MAIN) EXAM:2021 Agriculture (Paper II)

• Exam Name: CS (MAIN) EXAM:2020  Agriculture (Paper II)
• Marks: 250
• Time Allowed : Three Hours

SECTION ‘A’

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

(a) What do you mean by gene pool concept and genetic erosion ? Classify the gene pool of a crop. 10 

(b) Describe the advantages and disadvantages of mass selection, simple recurrent selection and clonal selection. 10 

(c) Explain the importance of somatic hybridization in agriculture. 10 

(d) 'Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) issue is a sensitive topic in agriculture. Concisely describe this with your conclusions. 10 

(e) Write short notes on the following: 

(i) Asexual Reproduction 

(ii) Progeny Test 

(iii) Seed Bank 

(iv) Genetically Modified Crop 

Q2.(a) Define cell. How is a plant cell different from an animal cell ? Describe a typical cell structurally and functionally, with a suitable diagram. 

(b) Describe the physiological and molecular basis of heterosis. 

(c) Classify types of male sterility and self-incompatibility system in plants. Describe the limitations of cytoplasmic genetic male sterility system in hybrid seed production. 

Q3. (a) What is clone ? What do you understand by clonal selection ? Describe the various steps involved in clonal selection.

(b) What do you understand by centre of origin ? Discuss the law of homologous series of variation. 15 

(c) Describe self-pollination, cross-pollination and often cross-pollination. Discuss different mechanisms for facilitating self-pollination and cross-pollination. 20 

Q4.(a) What is the role and importance of “Seed treatment campaign” in India in the context of quality crop establishment ? 15 

(b) What is DNA fingerprinting ? Discuss its applied aspects in modern agriculture. 

(c) Describe the mechanisms involved in absorption of water in plants. Explain the factors affecting the water absorption rate in plants. 20 

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SECTION 'B'

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

(a) Define seed viability. Describe in brief the metabolic aspects of seed germination. 10  

(b) Define 'Pests' and 'Pesticides' in relation to pest management. Give a brief account of types and need for pesticide formulations. 10 

(c) Narrate the role of post harvest technology in minimising losses in fruits and vegetables. 10 

(d) What is “Plant Quarantine" ? Describe the plant quarantine measures with suitable examples in Indian context. 10 

(e) Discuss the importance of green-house in agriculture. 10 

Q6.(a) Describe “Key-lock theory” with respect to mode of enzyme action. 15 

(b) What is plant physiological stress ? Describe morphological and physiochemical changes taking place in plants under drought condition. 15 

(c) What do you understand by vernalization ? Describe its practical application in crops. 20 

Q7.(a) What do you mean by "Economic Injury Level” (EIL) and “Economic Threshold Level” (ETL) ? Describe their roles in classifying the pests in relevance to Integrated Pest Management (IPM). 15 

(b) Describe the importance of fruit cultivation in India. Discuss the role of horticulture with respect to poverty alleviation and nutritional security. 15 

(c) What is protected cultivation ? What are its problems and prospects in comparison to open cultivation ? 20 

Q8.(a) What is the food production and consumption pattern of India in the last fifty years? 15 

(b) What do you mean by hunger' and 'hidden hunger' ? Comment. on various strategies in combating hunger. 15 

(c) What are the different "National Dietary Guidelines” of India ? What is your opinion on balanced diet of Indians ? 20 

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