← Combined Technical (NG)
Past Questions — 2025
Improved sickle used in hills is:
A)
Serrated sickle
B)
Smooth sickle
C)
Rotary sickle
D)
None of the above
Option A is correct: Serrated sickle.
________ is the systematic process of collecting, analyzing and using information to track a programme’s progress toward reaching its objectives and to guide management decisions.
A)
Monitoring
B)
Planning
C)
Controlling
D)
Directing
Option A is correct: Monitoring.
Which theory emphasizes that adults are motivated to learn when they perceive the relevance of the content?
A)
Behaviourism
B)
Constructivism
C)
Andragogy
D)
Cognitivism
The question refers to the theory of adult learning.
1. **Andragogy** (Option c): Developed primarily by Malcolm Knowles, andragogy is specifically the art and science of helping adults learn. A core pillar of this theory is that adults are 'self-directed' and 'goal-oriented.' They are motivated to learn when they perceive that the learning will help them solve a real-life problem or perform a task more effectively (relevance).
2. **Behaviourism** (Option a): Focuses on observable behaviors and the use of reinforcement (rewards/punishments) to shape behavior, rather than the internal perception of relevance.
3. **Constructivism** (Option b): Suggests that learners construct their own knowledge based on their experiences. While it applies to adults, it is a general learning theory not specifically defined by the 'adult motivation through relevance' framework.
4. **Cognitivism** (Option d): Focuses on the internal mental processes of the mind (like memory and thinking) and how information is processed, rather than the motivational drivers specific to adult learners.
Marketing mix is defined in terms of the following:
A)
3 C’s
B)
7 C’s
C)
4 P’s
D)
3 R’s
Option C is correct: 4 P’s.
Which seeding method uses Malobansa?
A)
Transplanting
B)
Seed dropping behind the plough
C)
Check row planting
D)
Hill dropping
In the context of traditional agricultural practices in Northeast India, specifically in Mizoram, 'Malobansa' refers to a traditional bamboo seed-drill or a bamboo tube used for sowing. This device is attached to or used in conjunction with a plough to drop seeds precisely into the furrow created by the plough. Therefore, it is used for the method of 'seed dropping behind the plough'.
- Option (a) Transplanting involves moving seedlings from a nursery to the main field, which does not require a seed-dropping tool like Malobansa.
- Option (c) Check row planting is a specific spatial arrangement of rows to allow for intercultural operations, not a tool-based seeding method.
- Option (d) Hill dropping refers to placing seeds in clusters at specific intervals, whereas the Malobansa is designed for continuous or semi-continuous dropping along a ploughed line.
Define Phytohormones and explain different types of phytohormones with their functions and its Agricultural applications.
Genetically most pure seed is:
A)
Breeder seed
B)
Foundation seeds
C)
Nucleus seed
D)
Certified seed
In seed science, seeds are categorized into a hierarchy based on their genetic purity and the stage of multiplication.
1. Nucleus Seed: This is the initial seed produced by the original plant breeder. It is the most genetically pure seed (100% pure) and serves as the source for all subsequent generations. It is produced in very small quantities.
2. Breeder Seed: Produced from nucleus seed. While it maintains very high genetic purity, it is the first step of multiplication and is used to produce foundation seeds.
3. Foundation Seed: Produced from breeder seed. These are the progeny of breeder seeds and are used to produce certified seeds.
4. Certified Seed: Produced from foundation seed. These are the seeds distributed to farmers for commercial crop production. They have the lowest genetic purity relative to the other three categories, although they still meet strict quality standards.
Therefore, the Nucleus seed is the most genetically pure as it is the direct output of the breeding process before any large-scale multiplication occurs.
What are the differences between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic organisms? Explain Prokaryotic Bacterial Cell structure and functions with diagram indicating different types of structure.
Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR) is located at:
A)
N. Delhi
B)
Hyderabad
C)
Bengaluru (Bangalore)
D)
Kolkata
The Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR) is a premier research institute under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). It is located in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Its primary mandate is to conduct basic and applied research on various horticultural crops to improve productivity and quality.
Analysis of other options:
- N. Delhi: While many ICAR headquarters and institutes (like IARI) are in Delhi, IIHR is not one of them.
- Hyderabad: This city hosts other major institutes like the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) and various agricultural research centers, but not IIHR.
- Kolkata: This city hosts institutes like the Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI), but not IIHR.
What is the source of Agar Agar?
A)
Bacteria
B)
Mycoplasma
C)
Fungi
D)
Algae
Agar-agar is a gelatinous substance derived from the cell walls of certain species of red algae (Rhodophyta), most notably from the genera Gelidium and Gracilaria. In microbiology, it is the most widely used solidifying agent for culture media because it remains solid at incubation temperatures (up to 100°C melting point and approx 40-45°C solidification point) and most bacteria cannot digest it, ensuring the medium remains solid during growth.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Bacteria: Bacteria are the organisms grown *on* agar, not the source of it.
- b. Mycoplasma: These are a specific type of bacteria lacking a cell wall; they do not produce agar.
- c. Fungi: Fungi have cell walls made of chitin, not the galactans (agarose and agaropectin) found in red algae.
Biological control is likely to be most effective when the predator or parasite has a:
A)
Long life cycle
B)
High reproductive rate
C)
Wide range of preferred hosts
D)
Short life cycle
In biological control, the goal is for the natural enemy (predator or parasite) to respond rapidly to an increase in the pest population to prevent an outbreak. A short life cycle is the most critical factor for this because it allows the biological control agent to multiply quickly, increasing its population density in synchronization with the pest's growth. This rapid numerical response ensures that the predator or parasite can suppress the pest population before it reaches the economic injury level.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Long life cycle: This would result in a slow population response, allowing the pest to multiply unchecked for longer periods.
- b. High reproductive rate: While generally helpful, a high reproductive rate is less effective if the life cycle is long (generation time is slow). The speed of the cycle (turnover) is more critical for immediate control.
- c. Wide range of preferred hosts: This is often a disadvantage (generalist). A specialist (narrow host range) is usually preferred in biological control to ensure the agent focuses specifically on the target pest and does not switch to non-target beneficial insects or crops.
What are plant parasitic Nematodes? Describe the symptoms of Root-knot Nematodes in the infected plants and management practices for controlling their population in soil.
Pests outbreaks tend to occur when:
A)
Crops are planted in monoculture
B)
Natural enemies are imported from abroad
C)
Farmers switch to new crops
D)
Mixed cropping
Step-by-step reasoning: 1. A pest outbreak occurs when a pest population increases rapidly to a level that causes significant economic damage. 2. Monoculture is the practice of growing a single crop species over a large area for consecutive seasons. This provides a continuous, abundant, and uniform food source for specialized pests, allowing their populations to grow exponentially without interruption. 3. Furthermore, monocultures often lack the biological diversity required to support a robust population of natural enemies (predators and parasitoids), which normally keep pest populations in check. 4. Analyzing other options: (b) Importing natural enemies usually helps control pests, not cause outbreaks. (c) Switching to new crops can sometimes introduce new pests, but it is not the primary systemic driver of widespread outbreaks compared to monoculture. (d) Mixed cropping increases biodiversity and disrupts the movement and feeding patterns of pests, acting as a deterrent to outbreaks.
What are pests? Mention five (5) common insect pests of rice and explain the nature of damage, management strategies adopted for yellow stem borer infestation in rice.
Pheromones used against the fruit fly is:
A)
Methyle eugenol
B)
Carniform
C)
Methyl bromide
D)
Carbofuran
Step-by-step reasoning: 1. The question asks for a pheromone (or attractant) used specifically against fruit flies. 2. Methyl eugenol is a potent attractant used in 'Male Annihilation Technique' (MAT) to control fruit flies, particularly the Oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis). While technically a kairomone (a chemical emitted by a plant that benefits the receiver), it is commonly categorized under pheromone-based trapping systems in agricultural entomology exams. 3. Analyzing other options: (b) 'Carniform' is not a recognized chemical attractant or pesticide. (c) Methyl bromide is a broad-spectrum fumigant used for soil and warehouse sterilization, not a pheromone. (d) Carbofuran is a carbamate insecticide (a toxic chemical), not a pheromone. Therefore, Methyl eugenol is the only correct choice for a lure used in fruit fly management.
Which class of chemical insecticides is characterized by a relatively high degree of environmental persistence?
A)
Carbamates
B)
Synthetic pyrethroids
C)
Organophosphates
D)
Chlorinated hydrocarbons
Environmental persistence refers to the length of time a chemical remains active in the environment before breaking down.
1. **Chlorinated hydrocarbons (Organochlorines)**, such as DDT, Heptachlor, and Endrin, are characterized by high stability, low water solubility, and high lipid solubility. This allows them to resist degradation by sunlight, water, and microbial action, leading to long-term persistence in soil and water, as well as bioaccumulation in the food chain.
2. **Organophosphates** (Option c) and **Carbamates** (Option a) are generally non-persistent. They are hydrolyzed relatively quickly in the environment and do not bioaccumulate significantly.
3. **Synthetic pyrethroids** (Option b) are designed to be more stable than natural pyrethrins but are still significantly more biodegradable and less persistent than chlorinated hydrocarbons.
Therefore, chlorinated hydrocarbons are the class most known for their high degree of environmental persistence.
Botanically pineapple fruit is:
A)
Sorosis
B)
Berry
C)
Balusta
D)
pome
Botanically, a pineapple is a multiple fruit (collective fruit). It develops from a spike of many individual flowers, where the ovaries of these flowers fuse together as they mature to form a single large fruit. This specific type of multiple fruit, derived from a spike or spadix, is called a 'Sorosis'.
Why other options are incorrect:
- b. Berry: A berry is a simple fleshy fruit produced from a single ovary (e.g., tomato, grape).
- c. Balusta: This is not a standard botanical term for fruit types (likely a distractor or misspelling of 'Balausta', which refers to fruits like pomegranate).
- d. Pome: A pome is an accessory fruit where the fleshy part is derived from the floral tube/receptacle rather than the ovary (e.g., apple, pear).
Progeny of a single plant obtained by asexual reproduction is:
A)
Pure line
B)
Inbred
C)
Clone
D)
Strain
Step-by-step reasoning: 1. Definition of Clone: In plant breeding and genetics, a clone is a group of genetically identical individuals derived from a single ancestor through asexual (vegetative) reproduction. Since there is no meiosis or fertilization involved, the genetic makeup remains identical to the parent plant. 2. Analysis of other options: (a) Pure line: This refers to the progeny of a single self-fertilized homozygous plant (sexual reproduction). (b) Inbred: This refers to the offspring resulting from the mating of closely related individuals (sexual reproduction), often leading to inbreeding depression. (d) Strain: This is a more general term used to describe a group of individuals with similar observable characteristics, often used in microbiology or for specific livestock/plant lineages, but it does not specifically define asexual progeny of a single plant. Therefore, 'Clone' is the precise technical term for asexual progeny.
Which control strategy is likely to have the greatest impact on non-target organisms?
A)
Chemical control
B)
Cultural control
C)
Biological control
D)
Physical control
Step-by-step reasoning: 1. Non-target organisms are species that are not the intended target of a pest control measure but are affected by it. 2. Chemical control involves the use of synthetic pesticides (insecticides, herbicides, fungicides). Many of these chemicals are 'broad-spectrum,' meaning they kill a wide range of organisms regardless of whether they are pests or beneficial insects (like bees, spiders, and ladybugs). 3. Chemical residues can persist in the soil and water, leading to bioaccumulation and biomagnification in the food chain, affecting birds, mammals, and aquatic life. 4. Comparing other options: (b) Cultural control (e.g., crop rotation, planting dates) is generally low-impact. (c) Biological control uses natural enemies; while there is a risk of the agent attacking non-targets, it is typically more specific than broad-spectrum chemicals. (d) Physical control (e.g., traps, barriers) is highly targeted and has minimal impact on the wider ecosystem. Therefore, chemical control poses the greatest risk to non-target organisms.
In Green plants, photosynthesis takes place in:
A)
Proplastids
B)
Leucoplasts
C)
chromoplasts
D)
Chloroplasts
Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants convert light energy into chemical energy. This process occurs specifically within chloroplasts, which are specialized plastids containing the pigment chlorophyll. Chlorophyll absorbs light energy (primarily blue and red wavelengths) to drive the synthesis of glucose from carbon dioxide and water.
Analysis of other options:
- a. Proplastids: These are colorless, undifferentiated precursors to other plastids; they do not perform photosynthesis.
- b. Leucoplasts: These are non-pigmented plastids primarily used for the storage of starch (amyloplasts), lipids (elaioplasts), or proteins (proteinoplasts).
- c. Chromoplasts: These are plastids containing carotenoid pigments (yellow, orange, red) responsible for coloring flowers and fruits to attract pollinators; they are not the primary site of photosynthesis.
Which of the following is systemic insecticide?
A)
Methamidophos
B)
Cypermethrin
C)
Imidachloprid
D)
Deltamethrin
A systemic insecticide is one that is absorbed by the plant tissues and transported throughout the plant's vascular system, killing insects that feed on the plant (such as aphids or whiteflies).
1. Imidacloprid (Option c) belongs to the Neonicotinoid class of insecticides. It is highly systemic and is commonly used as a seed treatment or soil drench because it moves upward through the xylem to protect the entire plant.
2. Cypermethrin (Option b) and Deltamethrin (Option d) are synthetic Pyrethroids. These are primarily contact insecticides; they act on the nervous system of the insect upon direct contact and are not absorbed systemically by the plant.
3. Methamidophos (Option a) is an Organophosphate. While some organophosphates have limited systemic properties, Methamidophos is primarily used as a contact and stomach poison and is not categorized as a primary systemic insecticide in the same way Neonicotinoids are.
Soil micro-organisms are most active at:
A)
18 - 20°C
B)
30 - 32°C
C)
26 - 28°C
D)
34 - 36°C
Soil microorganisms, particularly the mesophilic bacteria and fungi that dominate most agricultural soils, exhibit an optimal range of activity between 25°C and 35°C. In the context of standard soil microbiology textbooks and competitive exam keys for agricultural and technical sciences, the range of 26-28°C is frequently cited as the peak activity zone for the decomposition of organic matter and nutrient cycling in temperate to subtropical soils. While activity occurs across a wider range, 26-28°C represents a balanced optimum where enzyme kinetics are high but thermal denaturation of proteins has not yet begun. Options (a) is too low (psychrotrophic range), and options (b) and (d) move toward the upper limits where some sensitive microbial populations may begin to decline in activity.
The process of leaving off the colony by the queen is known as:
A)
Absconding
B)
Supersedure
C)
Swarming
D)
Queen excluder
In apiculture, 'Absconding' occurs when the entire colony, including the queen and the worker bees, abandons the hive. This usually happens due to unfavorable conditions such as lack of forage, pests (like wax moths), disease, or extreme environmental stress.
Here is why the other options are incorrect:
- b. Supersedure: This is the process where the colony replaces an old, failing, or defective queen with a new one, but the colony remains in the hive.
- c. Swarming: This is a natural method of colony reproduction where the old queen leaves with a portion of the worker bees to establish a new colony, while a new queen stays behind to lead the original hive. It is a planned reproductive event, not a total abandonment of the site.
- d. Queen excluder: This is a physical tool (a grid or screen) used by beekeepers to prevent the queen from entering the honey supers to ensure the honey is free of brood.
Which pesticide is suitable for controlling the white grub?
A)
Malathion
B)
Phorate
C)
Chlorpyriphos
D)
Cypermethrin
White grubs are the larval stage of scarab beetles and are soil-borne pests that feed on the roots of plants. To control them effectively, a pesticide must have strong soil penetration and systemic or contact activity within the soil profile.
1. **Phorate (Option b):** This is an organophosphate nematicide and insecticide specifically designed for soil application. It is highly effective against soil-dwelling pests like white grubs, nematodes, and wireworms because it can be applied as granules that move into the root zone where the grubs reside.
2. **Malathion (Option a):** Primarily used as a contact insecticide for foliage or public health (mosquitoes). It has poor soil stability and penetration, making it unsuitable for white grubs.
3. **Chlorpyriphos (Option c):** While it is used for soil pests, Phorate is generally considered more potent and specific for the rapid knockdown of white grub populations in a competitive exam context focusing on soil-applied nematicides/insecticides.
4. **Cypermethrin (Option d):** A synthetic pyrethroid used mainly for surface sprays. Pyrethroids tend to bind strongly to soil organic matter, limiting their movement to the deeper soil layers where white grubs feed.
The most important physical factor which affects the life of an insect is:
A)
Temperature
B)
Light
C)
Humidity
D)
Rainfall
Insects are poikilothermic (cold-blooded) organisms, meaning their internal body temperature fluctuates according to the temperature of their surrounding environment. Temperature is considered the most critical physical factor because it directly governs almost every physiological process in an insect's life, including: 1. Metabolic Rate: Chemical reactions in the body speed up as temperature increases (up to a certain threshold). 2. Development: The rate of growth and the duration of life stages (egg, larva, pupa, adult) are temperature-dependent. 3. Activity: Temperature determines when insects emerge from diapause, their foraging behavior, and mating cycles. While light (photoperiod) triggers seasonal changes, humidity affects desiccation, and rainfall impacts survival/habitat, none have as universal and immediate an impact on the basic biological functioning of an insect as temperature.