← Combined Technical (NG)
Past Questions
Arka Veera is the variety of:
A)
Brinjal
B)
Tomato
C)
Cucumber
D)
Cow pea
Arka Veera is a high-yielding variety of Brinjal (Eggplant) developed by the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bengaluru. It is specifically bred for its high productivity, fruit quality, and resistance to certain pests and diseases.
Analysis of other options:
- Tomato: Common 'Arka' varieties include Arka Rakshak or Arka Samrat.
- Cucumber: Common varieties include Arka Kyuri.
- Cow pea: This is a legume, and 'Arka' series (developed by IIHR) primarily focuses on fruit vegetables and flowers rather than pulses like cow pea.
Cherelle wilt is a physiological disorder affecting:
A)
Coconut
B)
Cashewnut
C)
Cocoa
D)
Coffee
Cherelle wilt is a specific physiological disorder that occurs in Cocoa (Theobroma cacao). It is characterized by the premature withering and death of young pods (cherelles). While it can be influenced by fungal pathogens (like Phytophthora), it is primarily recognized as a physiological response to nutrient imbalances (particularly deficiency of potassium or phosphorus), water stress, or the tree's inability to support an excessive number of pods (over-bearing).
Comparing the options:
- Coconut: Suffers from disorders like Bud Rot or Lethal Yellowing, but not Cherelle wilt.
- Cashewnut: Suffers from various pests and diseases, but Cherelle wilt is not associated with it.
- Cocoa: The correct host for Cherelle wilt.
- Coffee: Suffers from disorders like Coffee Leaf Rust or Berry Borer, but not Cherelle wilt.
Which of the following is foliage annual?
A)
Aster
B)
Cosmos
C)
salvia
D)
Kochia
In floriculture, plants are categorized based on their primary ornamental value. 'Foliage annuals' are plants grown primarily for their attractive foliage (leaves, stems, or overall form) rather than their flowers.
1. **Kochia (Bassia scoparia)**: This plant is widely used as an ornamental foliage annual. It is prized for its unique, bushy, globe-like shape and its foliage, which changes color from green to a striking deep red or purple in the autumn. Its flowers are inconspicuous, making it a classic example of a foliage plant.
2. **Aster**: These are primarily grown for their vibrant, daisy-like flowers. They are classified as flowering annuals or perennials.
3. **Cosmos**: These are popular flowering annuals known for their large, colorful blooms.
4. **Salvia**: While some Salvia species have attractive leaves, they are predominantly cultivated for their striking floral spikes (inflorescences), classifying them as flowering annuals/perennials.
Therefore, Kochia is the only option that fits the definition of a foliage annual.
The male bees in a honey bee colony are known as:
A)
Workers
B)
Drones
C)
Queen
D)
Nymphs
In a honey bee colony (Apis species), there are three distinct castes based on sex and function:
1. **Drones (Option b):** These are the male bees. They are haploid (develop from unfertilized eggs) and their sole primary purpose is to mate with a virgin queen to ensure the genetic continuity of the colony. They do not possess stingers or pollen-collecting apparatus.
2. **Workers (Option a):** These are sterile females. They perform all the labor in the hive, including foraging, cleaning, nursing the brood, and guarding the hive.
3. **Queen (Option c):** This is the only fertile female in the colony. Her primary role is to lay thousands of eggs daily to maintain the population.
4. **Nymphs (Option d):** This term refers to the juvenile stages of insects that undergo incomplete metamorphosis (hemimetabolous). Honey bees undergo complete metamorphosis (egg $\rightarrow$ larva $\rightarrow$ pupa $\rightarrow$ adult), so they do not have a 'nymph' stage.
Among honey bees, workers are:
A)
Male
B)
Female
C)
Hermaphrodite
D)
Male and Female both
In a honey bee colony, there are three castes: the Queen, the Drones, and the Workers.
1. **Workers (Option b):** These are sterile females. They perform all the colony's maintenance tasks, including foraging for nectar and pollen, cleaning the hive, nursing the larvae, and guarding the entrance. Although they are female, their reproductive organs are underdeveloped, meaning they cannot mate or lay fertilized eggs.
2. **Drones (Option a):** These are the males of the colony. Their sole purpose is to mate with a virgin queen. They are haploid (developed from unfertilized eggs).
3. **Queen:** She is the only fertile female in the colony, responsible for laying all the eggs.
Since workers are biologically female (developed from fertilized eggs), option 'b' is the correct answer. Option 'c' (Hermaphrodite) is incorrect as bees have distinct sexes, and option 'd' is incorrect because the worker caste consists exclusively of females.
Strawberry is octaploid having 2n=8X=
A)
24
B)
34
C)
56
D)
26
In cytogenetics, the somatic chromosome number is denoted as 2n, and the basic chromosome number (the number of chromosomes in a single set) is denoted as x. For the garden strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa), the plant is an octaploid, meaning it possesses eight sets of chromosomes (8x). The basic chromosome number for the genus Fragaria is x = 7. Therefore, the total number of chromosomes in a somatic cell is calculated as: 2n = 8x = 8 × 7 = 56. Option (a) 24, (b) 34, and (d) 26 do not correspond to the octaploid calculation for the strawberry's basic chromosome number.
Which substrate is commonly used for oyster mushroom cultivation?
A)
Compost
B)
Sand
C)
Straw
D)
Clay
Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus species) are saprophytic fungi, meaning they derive nutrients from decaying organic matter. They are particularly efficient at breaking down cellulose and lignin.
1. Why Straw is correct: Agricultural residues such as paddy straw, wheat straw, and corn stalks are the most common substrates for oyster mushroom cultivation because they provide the necessary carbon source (cellulose) and a porous structure that allows for aeration and mycelial growth.
2. Why Compost is incorrect: While compost is the primary substrate for Button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus), oyster mushrooms do not require the complex composting process and grow better on raw, pasteurized lignocellulosic materials.
3. Why Sand is incorrect: Sand is inorganic and contains no nutrients (carbon or nitrogen) required for fungal growth.
4. Why Clay is incorrect: Clay is a dense mineral soil that lacks organic nutrients and prevents the necessary gas exchange (oxygen) required for the mycelium to breathe.
Budded Rubber plants ideal height for tapping(from the bud union) is:
A)
50 cm girth and 125-150 cm height
B)
35 cm girth and 90-100 cm height
C)
90 cm girth and 180-250 cm height
D)
75 cm girth and 160-180 cm height
In rubber cultivation (Hevea brasiliensis), the timing for the commencement of tapping is critical to ensure the long-term productivity and health of the tree. For budded rubber plants, the standard maturity criteria used by agricultural and rubber boards (such as the Rubber Board of India) specify that tapping should begin when the tree reaches a minimum girth of 50 cm measured at a height of 150 cm from the ground (or bud union depending on the specific regional guideline). The ideal height from the bud union for the first tapping panel is generally considered to be between 125-150 cm. This ensures that the bark is sufficiently thick and the latex vessels are well-developed to withstand the tapping process without causing permanent damage to the cambium. Options b, c, and d are incorrect because a girth of 35 cm is too small (leading to bark damage), and girths of 75 cm or 90 cm represent delayed tapping, which results in economic loss due to the delayed start of latex production.
Cinchona bark contains which important compound?
A)
quinine
B)
nicotine
C)
ephedrine
D)
cocaine
Step-by-step reasoning:
1. Identification of the plant: Cinchona is a genus of flowering plants in the family Rubiaceae, native to the Andes mountains.
2. Chemical composition: The bark of the Cinchona tree is rich in alkaloids, the most prominent of which is quinine.
3. Medical use: Quinine was historically the first effective treatment for malaria and is still used today for certain types of malaria and leg cramps.
4. Evaluation of other options:
- Nicotine: An alkaloid found primarily in the tobacco plant (Nicotiana tabacum).
- Ephedrine: An alkaloid derived from plants in the genus Ephedra.
- Cocaine: An alkaloid derived from the leaves of the coca plant (Erythroxylum coca).
Therefore, the correct compound found in Cinchona bark is quinine.
Fruit type of Litchi is:
A)
Berry
B)
Single Seeded Nut
C)
None
D)
Etaerio of achens
In pomology and botany, the fruit of Litchi (Litchi chinensis) is technically classified as a 'nut' (specifically a single-seeded nut) or more precisely a 'drupe-like nut'. The edible part of the litchi is not the actual fruit wall (pericarp) but rather a fleshy outgrowth called an 'aril' that surrounds the seed. The actual fruit wall is the thin, leathery skin (pericarp) that covers the aril.
Analysis of options:
- a. Berry: A berry is a fleshy fruit produced from a single ovary (e.g., tomato, grape). Litchi does not fit this description because the fleshy part is an aril, not the pericarp.
- b. Single Seeded Nut: This is the accepted classification for Litchi in most agricultural and pomological textbooks, referring to the hard seed enclosed in a leathery shell.
- d. Etaerio of achenes: This refers to a multiple fruit formed from an aggregate of achenes (e.g., strawberry), which is entirely different from the structure of a litchi fruit.
Upto how many eggs can a queen bee lay in one day?
A)
500
B)
1000
C)
1500
D)
2000
In a healthy honey bee colony (Apis mellifera), the queen bee is the sole reproductive female. During the peak of the foraging season (spring and summer), when pollen and nectar are abundant, a high-quality queen can lay between 1,500 to 2,000 eggs per day. While some exceptional queens may occasionally exceed this number, 2,000 is the standard upper limit cited in apiculture textbooks for a highly productive queen. Options a (500), b (1000), and c (1500) represent lower capacities or average rates, but the question asks 'upto how many', which refers to the maximum potential capacity.
Plant part used in saffron is:
A)
Fruits
B)
Seeds
C)
Stigma
D)
leaves
Saffron is derived from the flower of the Crocus sativus (Saffron Crocus). The spice consists of the dried stigmas (the female reproductive parts) of the flower. Each flower typically produces three crimson-colored stigmas, which are painstakingly harvested by hand.
Why other options are incorrect:
- a. Fruits: The fruit of the crocus is not used as a spice.
- b. Seeds: While the plant produces seeds, they are not the source of the saffron spice.
- d. Leaves: The leaves of the saffron crocus are not used for spice production.
What is the primary goal of protected cultivation?
A)
To enhance the visual appeal of agricultural fields
B)
To control the microclimate surrounding plants for optimal growth
C)
To minimize the use of agricultural machinery
D)
To increase the dependency on natural weather
Protected cultivation refers to the agricultural practice of growing crops within artificial structures (such as greenhouses, polyhouses, net houses, or tunnels) to protect them from adverse environmental conditions.
1. Why option (b) is correct: The primary objective is to manipulate the 'microclimate'—which includes temperature, humidity, light intensity, and CO2 levels—to create an ideal environment for plant growth. This allows for off-season production, higher yields, and better quality produce regardless of the external weather.
2. Why other options are incorrect:
- Option (a): While protected structures might look organized, visual appeal is not the goal of agricultural production.
- Option (c): Protected cultivation often requires specialized machinery (like automated irrigation or climate control systems), so it does not aim to minimize machinery use.
- Option (d): The entire purpose of protected cultivation is to *decrease* dependency on natural weather to avoid crop failure due to frost, heavy rain, or extreme heat.
State known to be as Spice Garden:
A)
Tamil Nadu
B)
Kerala
C)
Assam
D)
Andhra Pradesh
Kerala is widely known as the 'Spice Garden of India' due to its historical and geographical significance in spice production. The state's tropical climate, heavy rainfall, and fertile soil make it ideal for growing a wide variety of high-value spices. Kerala is particularly famous for being the primary producer of black pepper (often called 'Black Gold'), cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger. Historically, the spice trade in Kerala attracted traders from the Romans, Arabs, and eventually Europeans (like Vasco da Gama), making it the global hub for spice exports for centuries.
Comparing other options:
- Tamil Nadu: While it produces spices (like turmeric), it is not the primary 'Spice Garden'.
- Assam: Known primarily for tea production.
- Andhra Pradesh: Known for chillies and other agricultural crops, but not as the overall 'Spice Garden'.
Polyembyony is seen in:
A)
Ber
B)
Jamun and Citrus
C)
Grape
D)
Guava
Polyembryony is the phenomenon where two or more embryos are present in a single seed. This can occur through several mechanisms: 1) The development of multiple zygotes from multiple fertilizations, 2) The development of embryos from synergids or antipodal cells (apomixis), or 3) The development of embryos directly from nucellar cells.
- Citrus species (like lemon, orange) are the most classic examples of polyembryony, where nucellar cells frequently divide to form additional embryos alongside the zygotic embryo.
- Jamun (Syzygium cumini) also exhibits polyembryony.
- While some other fruits may show occasional anomalies, Citrus and Jamun are textbook examples of plants where this trait is characteristic and common. Therefore, option (b) is the most accurate and comprehensive answer.
Kinnow is a cross between:
A)
Willow leaf × King
B)
King × Willow leaf
C)
Mandarin × grapefruit
D)
Mandarin × pummelo
Kinnow is a popular hybrid citrus fruit widely grown in India and Pakistan. It is a cross between the 'Willow Leaf' mandarin (Citrus reticulata) and the 'King' mandarin (Citrus nobilis).
Step-by-step analysis:
1. Identification: Kinnow is a mandarin hybrid known for its high juice content and sweetness.
2. Parentage: The female parent is the Willow Leaf mandarin and the male parent is the King mandarin.
3. Evaluating Options:
- Option (a) 'Willow leaf × King' correctly identifies the parents in the standard notation (Female × Male).
- Option (b) 'King × Willow leaf' reverses the parentage.
- Option (c) 'Mandarin × grapefruit' describes the parentage of other hybrids like the Oroblanco or certain grapefruit crosses, but not Kinnow.
- Option (d) 'Mandarin × pummelo' describes the parentage of the Sweet Orange (Citrus × sinensis).
Therefore, option (a) is the correct botanical cross for Kinnow.
What is the scientific name of Shiitake mushroom?
A)
Pleurotus florida
B)
Lentinula edodes
C)
Colocybe indica
D)
Auricoloria polytricha
The Shiitake mushroom is one of the most cultivated edible mushrooms globally and its scientific name is Lentinula edodes.
Analysis of options:
- Option (a) Pleurotus florida: This refers to a species of Oyster mushroom.
- Option (b) Lentinula edodes: This is the correct scientific name for the Shiitake mushroom.
- Option (c) Colocybe indica: This is known as the Milky mushroom.
- Option (d) Auricularia polytricha: This is known as the Wood ear mushroom or Cloud ear mushroom.
Methyl chavicol is present in significant amount in which of the following aromatic plants?
A)
Lemongrass
B)
Jasmine
C)
Basil
D)
Celery
Methyl chavicol (also known as Estragole) is a major phenylpropene constituent found in several aromatic plants, most notably in Basil (Ocimum basilicum). Depending on the chemotype of the basil, methyl chavicol can be the dominant component of its essential oil, contributing to its characteristic sweet, anise-like aroma.
Analysis of other options:
- Lemongrass (Cymbopogon): The primary constituent is Citral (a mixture of geranial and neral).
- Jasmine (Jasminum): The primary constituents are benzyl acetate, linalool, and jasmine lactone.
- Celery (Apium graveolens): While celery seeds contain phthalides and some terpenes, methyl chavicol is not its primary characteristic aromatic component compared to Basil.
Which of the following is contained in medicinal yam?
A)
Digoxin
B)
Cravone
C)
Diosgenin
D)
Solasodine
Medicinal yams, specifically those of the genus Dioscorea (such as Dioscorea villosa), are rich sources of steroidal saponins. The primary active compound extracted from these yams is diosgenin. Diosgenin is a critical chemical precursor used in the industrial synthesis of steroid hormones, including progesterone, cortisone, and various oral contraceptives.
Analysis of other options:
- a. Digoxin: A cardiac glycoside derived from the Foxglove plant (Digitalis lanata).
- b. Cravone: A constituent found in certain essential oils (like those from the genus Croton), not a primary marker for medicinal yams.
- d. Solasodine: A steroidal alkaloid found primarily in plants of the Solanaceae family (e.g., Solanum species), not in yams.
Buttoning is a physiological disorder in:
A)
Garlic
B)
Onion
C)
Radish
D)
Cauliflower
Buttoning is a physiological disorder specifically associated with onion (Allium cepa) cultivation. It occurs when the onion bulb fails to swell and remains small, resembling a button. This disorder is typically caused by environmental stressors such as low temperatures during the bulb formation stage, nitrogen deficiency, or poor quality of planting sets. In contrast, garlic (a) does not typically exhibit this specific named disorder; radish (c) is more prone to disorders like pithiness or hollow heart; and cauliflower (d) is known for disorders like whipping or riceiness. Therefore, buttoning is a characteristic physiological issue in onions.
Linalool is important chemical content of:
A)
Cumin
B)
Fennel
C)
Coriander
D)
Clove
Linalool is a terpene alcohol that occurs naturally in many flowers and spice plants. In the context of spice chemistry, it is the primary and characteristic constituent of the essential oil found in Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) seeds.
Analysis of options:
- a. Cumin: The primary chemical constituent of Cumin is Cuminaldehyde.
- b. Fennel: The primary chemical constituents of Fennel are anethole, fenchone, and estragole.
- c. Coriander: Linalool is the major component (often making up 60-80% of the oil), giving it its distinct citrusy, floral aroma.
- d. Clove: The primary chemical constituent of Clove is Eugenol.
Informal style of gardening is found in:
A)
Mughal gardens
B)
Italian Gardens
C)
French gardens
D)
Japanese gardens
In landscaping, gardening styles are broadly categorized into Formal and Informal.
1. **Formal Style**: Characterized by geometric shapes, symmetry, straight lines, and a sense of human control over nature.
- **Mughal Gardens (a)**: Highly formal, featuring the 'Charbagh' (four-fold garden) layout with strict symmetry and water channels.
- **Italian Gardens (b)**: Formal, emphasizing terraces, symmetry, and architectural elements like statues and fountains.
- **French Gardens (c)**: The epitome of formality (e.g., Versailles), utilizing precise geometry, long vistas, and manicured hedges (topiary).
2. **Informal Style**: Characterized by asymmetrical layouts, curved lines, and an attempt to mimic the natural landscape.
- **Japanese Gardens (d)**: These are fundamentally informal. They are designed to evoke nature in a miniaturized, symbolic form, using asymmetrical arrangements of rocks, water, and plants to create a serene, naturalistic environment.
Picrocrocin is present in:
A)
Saffron
B)
Sweet Flag
C)
Dill
D)
Clove
Picrocrocin is a secondary metabolite (a glycoside) found specifically in the stigmas of the Saffron crocus (Crocus sativus). It is the precursor to safranal, which provides the characteristic aroma of saffron, and it is primarily responsible for the bitter taste of the spice.
Analysis of other options:
- Sweet Flag (Acorus calamus) contains asarone.
- Dill (Anethum graveolens) contains carvone and limonene.
- Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) contains eugenol as its primary active component.
Describe etiology and classification of fracture along with fracture healing process and various methods of immobilization.
FAMACHA score card is used for the management of _______ infection in sheep and goats.
A)
Haemonchus
B)
Capillaria
C)
Ostertagia
D)
Trichostrongylus
The FAMACHA score card is a diagnostic tool used specifically to identify anemia in sheep and goats, which is a primary clinical sign of infection by Haemonchus contortus (the Barber's Pole worm). Haemonchus is a blood-feeding nematode that attaches to the mucosal lining of the abomasum, leading to significant blood loss and subsequent anemia. The FAMACHA system involves assessing the color of the ocular mucous membranes (conjunctiva); a pale membrane indicates severe anemia and a high parasite burden, signaling the need for anthelmintic treatment. This targeted selective treatment (TST) helps reduce the development of anthelmintic resistance.
Other options are incorrect because:
- Capillaria (and other lungworms/intestinal worms) typically cause respiratory or digestive distress rather than severe blood-loss anemia.
- Ostertagia (Brown stomach worm) primarily causes protein loss and digestive dysfunction (gastritis) rather than the acute anemia characteristic of Haemonchus.
- Trichostrongylus causes scouring (diarrhea) and weight loss, but not the profound anemia that the FAMACHA card is designed to detect.