IAS Mains Paper: Agriculture 2003
Paper-II
Section A

Answer any THREE of the following in about 200 words each:

Define the chromosome theory of hereditary and discuss about inter chromosomal linkage.

Discuss the role of biotechnology in hybrid and improved varieties production in crops and explain the hybrid vigour.

Discuss in detail the storage pest problem of pulses and their control.

Define the host plant resistance and discuss about its importance in cropping system.

Answer the following questions

Describe the causal organism, life history, nature of damage and control of powdery mildew disease of grapes.

Discuss the mechanism and management of insecticidal resistance in insect pest.

Describe the breeding procedures which-are used for producing new varieties of self pollinated crops.

Answer the following questions

Describe the role of polyploidy in plant breeding.

Discuss the foundation and certified seed production.

Describe the causes and control of mango malformation.

Write notes on the following:

Osmotic pressure cell sap

Plant pigments

Pollination and Fertilization

National and International food policies

Section B

Answer the following questions

Define the nucleic acids and discuss their structure and functions.

Describe the cultivation of roses and its marketing.

Discuss the role of photoperiodism and vernalization.

Explain the above with examples:

Combining ability and its significance in plant breeding

Fruit production, processing and distribution in India

Marketing problems of fruits and vegetables in India

Comment in detail:

Mass and recurrent selection

Layout of lawn and garden

Red rot of sugarcane

Write notes on:

Germination and dormancy

The role of vegetables in human nutrition

Mutant varieties