Hybridisation Purpose in Crop Improvement
Hybridisation, in the context of crop improvement, is a fundamental technique used to enhance plant characteristics.
Core Concept of Hybridisation
- Definition: Hybridisation involves crossing two genetically dissimilar parent plants to produce offspring (hybrids) that inherit traits from both parents.
- Objective: The primary goal is to combine desirable traits, such as higher yield, disease resistance, or better nutritional value, that may be present in separate parent varieties. This process often leads to 'hybrid vigour' or heterosis, where the offspring exhibit improved performance compared to the parents.
Analysis of Options
- Option 1: Genetically Identical Plants: Producing genetically identical plants is achieved through asexual reproduction or cloning, not hybridization.
- Option 2: Combine Desirable Traits: This aligns perfectly with the definition and objective of hybridization in crop improvement. Crossing different varieties allows for the merging of beneficial genes.
- Option 3: Grow Without Inputs: While hybridization can aim for traits like drought or fertilizer tolerance, the main purpose isn't solely to eliminate the need for fertilizers or irrigation, but to improve overall performance, potentially reducing input needs.
- Option 4: Increase Mutation Rate: This describes mutagenesis, a different breeding technique that induces random genetic changes, unlike the targeted combination of traits in hybridization.
Conclusion
The main purpose of hybridisation in crop improvement programmes is to leverage genetic diversity by crossing different plants, thereby combining desirable traits to achieve superior crop varieties.
Important Questions from Agriculture
Which one of the following terms describes the practice of growing two or more crops simultaneously on the same piece of land?
Directions: The following 05 (Five) items consist of two statements, Statement I and Statement II. Examine these two statements carefully and select the answers to these items using the code given below:
Statement I: India has a wide variation in population density.
Statement II: Factors like agricultural productivity and the history of the settlement have greatly influenced the population density pattern in India.
Which of the following are the characteristics of organic farming?
1. Use of chemical fertilizers to improve soil fertility.
2. Frequent decomposing and fallowing.
3. Use of herbs to control pests.
4. Higher productivity per hectare.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A farmer in a semi-arid area claims that his farming practice is very environment friendly. Which of the following practices on his farm can justify his claim?
1. Planning a tree belt.
2. Practising crop rotation.
3. Carrying out a large scale irrigation system
4. Using organic fertilizers.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Which of the following statements about the Livestock sector in India is/are correct?
1. Livestock contributed about 25 per cent of gross value added in agriculture.
2. It provides self-employment to a large segment of the population
3. The rapid growth of the livestock sector can be egalitarian inclusive
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
