Instructions: Figures in the margin indicate full marks for the questions. Answer all units as per instructions.
What do you understand by plant introduction?
Plant introduction refers to the process of taking a plant species or variety into a new area where it was not previously grown. This can involve bringing a plant from one country to another (international introduction) or from one state to another within the same country (interstate introduction).
Write the important activities of NBPGR.
The National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) performs the following key activities:
Write the importance of germplasm diversity.
Germplasm diversity is crucial because it provides the "raw material" for plant breeding. It allows scientists to develop new crop varieties that are resistant to pests, adaptable to climate change, and high-yielding. Without genetic diversity, crops become vulnerable to total destruction by a single disease outbreak.
Discuss the centre of origin of cultivated crops with special reference to Vavilov's works.
Definition: The "Centre of Origin" is a geographical area where a group of organisms, either domesticated or wild, first developed its distinctive properties.
Vavilov's Contribution: Nikolai Vavilov, a Russian botanist, proposed that crops have specific centers of origin where their greatest genetic diversity is found. He initially identified eight primary centers:
Key Principles: Vavilov stated that the area of maximum diversity of a species is usually its center of origin. He also distinguished between Primary Centers (where the plant originated) and Secondary Centers (where variations developed later).
Conclusion: Vavilov's work laid the foundation for modern plant breeding and genetic resource conservation, emphasizing the need to protect these biodiversity hotspots.
Write short notes on: (i) Introduction (ii) Plant domestication
(i) Introduction: As discussed, it is the movement of genotypes into new environments. It can be Primary Introduction (variety used directly in the new area) or Secondary Introduction (variety subjected to selection or crossing before use).
(ii) Plant Domestication: This is the process whereby wild plants are evolved into cultivated forms through human selection. Key changes during domestication include:
What are spices? Give an example.
Spices are dried seeds, fruits, roots, or bark primarily used for flavoring, coloring, or preserving food. Unlike herbs, which are leafy green parts, spices are usually derived from other plant parts. Example: Black Pepper (Piper nigrum).
What are millets and their nutritional values?
Millets are a group of small-seeded grasses grown as cereal crops. They are highly nutritious, being rich in fiber, proteins, and minerals like magnesium and phosphorus. They are gluten-free and have a low glycemic index, making them ideal for managing diabetes.
Write the botanical name and uses of rice.
Botanical Name: Oryza sativa
Uses: 1. Staple food for more than half the world's population. 2. Rice bran oil is used for cooking. 3. Rice straw is used as cattle feed and for making mats.
Discuss the origin, morphology, post-harvest management and uses of sugarcane.
Origin: Sugarcane is believed to have originated in New Guinea (Saccharum officinarum) and was later hybridized in India.
Morphology: It is a perennial grass with thick, jointed fibrous stalks (culms) containing juice. It has long, sword-shaped leaves and a large terminal inflorescence called an 'arrow'.
Post-harvest Management:
Uses: 1. Production of white sugar, jaggery (gur), and khandsari. 2. Molasses used in alcohol production. 3. Bagasse used as fuel and in paper making.
Discuss the morphology, cultivation, processing and uses of tea.
Botanical Name: Camellia sinensis
Morphology: An evergreen shrub with leathery, serrated leaves. In cultivation, it is pruned to a height of 3-4 feet (bush) for easy plucking.
Cultivation: Requires a warm, humid climate with high rainfall (150-250 cm) and well-drained acidic soil. Usually grown on mountain slopes.
Processing: Involves Withering, Rolling, Fermentation (Oxidation), and Drying (Firing). Black tea is fermented, while green tea is not.
Uses: Primarily used as a stimulating beverage due to the presence of caffeine and theine. It also has antioxidant properties.
Write a short note on essential oils.
Essential oils are volatile, aromatic compounds extracted from plants via steam distillation or cold pressing. They carry the characteristic "essence" of the plant. Examples include lavender oil and peppermint oil.
What are the by-products of sugarcane industry?
Mention botanical name of groundnut with two uses.
Botanical Name: Arachis hypogaea
Uses: 1. Extraction of edible vegetable oil. 2. Used as a rich source of protein in snacks and peanut butter.
Discuss the morphology, propagation, post-harvest management and uses of potato.
Botanical Name: Solanum tuberosum
Morphology: The edible part is a modified underground stem called a tuber. It bears 'eyes' which are nodes containing axillary buds.
Propagation: Primarily propagated vegetatively through "seed tubers" or tuber pieces containing at least one eye.
Post-harvest Management:
Uses: Rich source of starch. Used as a vegetable, for making flour, and in industries to produce alcohol and starch dextrins.
Discuss about the tapping, processing and uses of para-rubber.
Botanical Name: Hevea brasiliensis
Tapping: The process of collecting latex by making a strategic incision in the bark. A thin shaving of bark is removed diagonally to sever the latex vessels.
Processing: The collected latex is diluted, strained, and coagulated using acetic or formic acid. The coagulum is then rolled into sheets and dried (Smoked Sheets).
Uses: Used in the manufacturing of tires, tubes, footwear, gloves, and various industrial gaskets.
Write the uses of Withania.
Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) is used to reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep, and boost immunity. It is known as an "adaptogen."
Write a short note on habit-forming drugs with suitable examples.
These are drugs that lead to physiological or psychological dependence upon repeated use. Examples: Opium (from Papaver somniferum) and Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum).
Write the medicinal importance of Aloe vera.
1. Used topically to treat burns and skin irritations. 2. Used internally as a laxative to treat constipation. 3. Has anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties.
Give an account of morphology, processing and uses of cinchona.
Morphology: Large shrubs or small trees with opposite leaves and bitter-tasting bark. The bark contains alkaloids, primarily Quinine.
Processing: The bark is harvested from stems and roots, dried, and ground into powder. Quinine is then extracted using chemical solvents.
Uses: 1. Treatment of Malaria. 2. Used as a bitter flavoring in tonic water. 3. Quinine is also used for leg cramps.
Discuss the morphology and health hazards of tobacco.
Botanical Name: Nicotiana tabacum
Morphology: An annual herb with large, sticky, glandular leaves and tubular flowers. The leaves contain the alkaloid Nicotine.
Health Hazards:
What is NTFP?
Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) are biological materials other than timber derived from forests, such as fruits, nuts, medicinal plants, resins, and honey.
Give two examples of bamboo species.
Write two examples of timbers.
Describe the forest types of India. Give an account of the forest products.
Forest Types of India (Champion & Seth Classification):
Forest Products:
Give an account on the timber and non-timber forest products with special reference to bamboo and wild fruits.
Timber Products: Essential for the economy; sourced from hard woods (Teak, Sal) and soft woods (Pine). Used in infrastructure and paper industry.
Special Reference - Bamboo: Often called "Green Gold" or "Poor Man's Timber." It is technically a grass but serves timber purposes. Used for scaffolding, paper pulp, housing, and even edible shoots.
Special Reference - Wild Fruits: Critical for the food security of forest-dwelling communities. Examples include Amla (Phyllanthus emblica) and Jamun. They are rich in vitamins and provide seasonal income for tribal populations through NTFP trade.