UPSC Mains 2017 Agriculture Optional Paper II questions

28 questions from the Civil Services (Main) Examination 2017. Official UPSC paper (PDF) · All Agriculture Optional PYQs

What is cell? Enlist different organelles of plant cell with brief description of functions of mitochondria.
Give a brief account of conservation of crop genetic resources.
What are the genetic and agronomic principles of seed production?
What do you mean by male sterility? List various types of male sterility systems found in plants and discuss the chemically induced male sterility.
What is embryo rescue? Write its advantages in crop improvement. Indicate the
Describe various steps involved in seed certification and the institutions associated in the production of certified seeds.
20 marks
Describe the applications of molecular markers in crop improvement.
20 marks
Explain cytoplasmic inheritance and its characteristics.
10 marks
Define heterosis. How is heterosis being exploited in the development of hybrids?
20 marks
What is polyploidy? Briefly discuss its application and limitations in crop improvement.
20 marks
Narrate the role of genetic engineering in crop improvement.
10 marks
What are mutations? Indicate the use of induced mutation in varietal development.
20 marks
Explain the mechanism involved in breeding for resistance to insect-pests.
20 marks
Discuss the impact of PPV & FRA in varietal protection of crop plants.
10 marks
What are plant growth regulators? How do they differ from phytohormones? Indicate the applications of plant growth regulators in agriculture.
Describe the criteria of essentiality of nutrients. Classify the essential nutrients for plants. Discuss the role of phosphorus and calcium in crops with special reference to pulses.
Give a brief account of post-harvest losses in fruits. Suggest various management techniques to avoid losses due to post-harvest diseases.
What are nutrition challenges? Discuss the factors contributing to the under- nutrition at different stages of life cycle.
Define medicinal and aromatic plants. Discuss their importance and uses.
Define 'evapotranspiration'. How is it affected by various factors? Briefly discuss the passive absorption of water by plants.
20 marks
What is photophosphorylation? Distinguish between cyclic and non-cyclic photophosphorylation. Give schematic structure of both the pathways.
20 marks
How does high-tech horticulture technology play role in enhancing resource use efficiency and farmers' income?
10 marks
Give a brief account of major pests and diseases of mango with their management measures.
20 marks
Suggest the measures to prevent the spread of exotic pests and diseases in the country.
20 marks
Differentiate between symbiotic and asymbiotic nitrogen fixation. How does symbiotic nitrogen fixation take place in crop plants?
10 marks
What are various ways of value addition in fruits and vegetables?
20 marks
What is protein energy malnutrition? Give micronutrient deficiency in women and children.
20 marks
What is food security? Indicate the major constraints in food procurement and distribution.
10 marks

Stuck on a question?

Ask AI Chat to explain the concept, outline an answer or list what the question demands.

Other 2017 papers