UPSC Mains 2022 Agriculture Optional Paper II questions

28 questions from the Civil Services (Main) Examination 2022. Official UPSC paper (PDF) · All Agriculture Optional PYQs

What is polyploidy? Give a brief account of classification of polyploids.
What are the applications of mass selection in self-pollinated crops? Describe its merits and demerits.
What do you understand by the vertical and horizontal disease resistance in crop plants?
Define seed quality. Describe the characteristics of a seed which decide its quality.
Define matric potential, osmotic potential and turgor potential, and explain their interrelationships with water potential.
Discuss the structure of a plant chromosome and its role in genetic diversity.
20 marks
Discuss the concept of centre of origin of crops and its role in plant breeding. Describe the role of N. I. Vavilov in identifying centre of origin of various crops with appropriate examples.
20 marks
What are the factors that affect the longevity of seeds during storage in warehouses? Describe.
10 marks
What do you mean by mutation? What is the significance of induced mutation in plant breeding?
20 marks
Describe in brief the applications of genetic engineering for insect and herbicide resistance in crop plants.
20 marks
What is the need for protection of intellectual property rights of traditional knowledge? Explain sui generis protection of traditional knowledge.
10 marks
Discuss the mechanisms of absorption and translocation of mineral nutrients in plants.
20 marks
Define aneuploidy. Give an account of morphological and cytological functions of aneuploidy, and discuss its application in crop improvement.
20 marks
Explain the techniques involved in somatic hybridization in crop plants.
10 marks
Give a detailed account of sucrose metabolism in plants.
Enlist and explain the symptoms of plant diseases which disrupt the photosynthesis function.
What are pesticide formulations? Discuss the different types of formulations used in pest control.
Enlist and explain the salient features of Public Distribution System as per the provisions of the National Food Security Act, 2013.
SIRS Enlist and explain the efforts of the Government of India in streamlining the current levels of poverty.
Describe the vicious cycle of poverty and enlist the existing policy instruments for combating malnutrition.
20 marks
Enlist and explain 'Dos' and 'Don'ts' in pesticides' usage with reference to purchase, handling, application and disposal of pesticides.
20 marks
Define biotic stress in plants. Explain the role of salicylic acid in a plant's response to biotic stress.
10 marks
Enlist the different commercial flowers cultivated on a large scale for cut flower trade. Briefly discuss the factors affecting the keeping quality of cut flowers and the remedies.
20 marks
Discuss photorespiration. What is the relationship between photorespiration and photosynthesis?
20 marks
SITE Enlist and explain the issues and challenges in the growth of food processing industry in India.
10 marks
Enlist the seed spices grown in India. Briefly discuss the cultivation and post- harvest management practices for coriander and cumin.
20 marks
Describe the various methods of pest control with appropriate examples.
20 marks
What is food security? Why is it essential? Describe the current food security system in India.
10 marks

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