- The introduction of predators, parasites, or pathogens to control pest populations in agriculture is known as:
a) Genetic modification
b) Biological control
c) Chemical control
d) Mechanical control
Answer: b) Biological control
Explanation:
Biological control involves using natural predators, parasites, or pathogens to manage pest populations, reducing the need for chemical pesticides and promoting a balanced ecosystem.
- In the context of food production, what does the term ‘aquaponics’ refer to?
a) The cultivation of aquatic plants
b) The breeding of fish in natural water bodies
c) A sustainable farming method combining aquaculture and hydroponics
d) Growing plants in aerated water
Answer: c) A sustainable farming method combining aquaculture and hydroponics
Explanation:
Aquaponics is a farming system that combines aquaculture (raising fish) and hydroponics (growing plants in water). The fish waste provides nutrients for the plants, while the plants help clean the water for the fish, creating a sustainable cycle.
- Which of the following crops is most commonly associated with the process of grafting?
a) Wheat
b) Maize
c) Apple
d) Rice
Answer: c) Apple
Explanation:
Grafting is a horticultural technique where the tissues of two plants are joined together. It is commonly used in fruit trees like apples to produce trees that combine the desirable traits of both rootstock and scion.
- Which of the following is an example of a transgenic plant that has been developed to be insect-resistant?
a) Bt cotton
b) Golden Rice
c) High-lysine maize
d) Hybrid wheat
Answer: a) Bt cotton
Explanation:
Bt cotton is a genetically modified (transgenic) plant that has been developed to produce insecticidal proteins from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis. This gives it resistance to pests like bollworms, reducing the need for chemical insecticides.
- The practice of raising crops under controlled environmental conditions, such as inside a greenhouse or polyhouse, is known as:
a) Monoculture
b) Organic farming
c) Precision farming
d) Protected cultivation
Answer: d) Protected cultivation
Explanation:
Protected cultivation refers to the growing of crops in a controlled environment, such as a greenhouse or polyhouse, where factors like temperature, humidity, and light can be managed to optimize plant growth and yield.
- The term ‘Apiculture’ refers to:
a) The cultivation of fruit trees
b) The rearing of bees for honey
c) The breeding of aquatic animals
d) The production of silk from silkworms
Answer: b) The rearing of bees for honey
Explanation:
Apiculture is the practice of beekeeping, which involves the rearing of bees for the production of honey, beeswax, and other bee products. It plays an essential role in pollination and the agriculture ecosystem.
- Which of the following is a technique used to produce plants that are genetically identical to the parent plant?
a) Tissue culture
b) Cross-pollination
c) Mutation breeding
d) Hybridization
Answer: a) Tissue culture
Explanation:
Tissue culture is a method of producing genetically identical plants from a small tissue or cell sample of the parent plant. This technique is widely used for propagating plants with desirable traits and for conservation purposes.
- The main objective of biofortification in crops is to:
a) Improve resistance to diseases
b) Increase the nutritional quality of crops
c) Enhance the taste of fruits
d) Reduce the cost of production
Answer: b) Increase the nutritional quality of crops
Explanation:
Biofortification is the process of breeding crops to increase their nutritional value, such as improving the levels of vitamins, minerals, or proteins to address nutrient deficiencies in human populations.
- What is the primary reason for adopting crop rotation in agriculture?
a) To reduce soil erosion
b) To increase soil nitrogen content
c) To enhance crop yield and prevent pest buildup
d) To promote monocropping
Answer: c) To enhance crop yield and prevent pest buildup
Explanation:
Crop rotation involves growing different crops in a sequence on the same land to improve soil health, break pest and disease cycles, and increase overall crop yield and sustainability.
- Which of the following microorganisms is used in the production of single-cell protein (SCP) as a rich source of protein?
a) Spirulina
b) Azotobacter
c) Rhizobium
d) Aspergillus
Answer: a) Spirulina
Explanation:
Spirulina is a type of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) that is used as a single-cell protein (SCP) source due to its high protein content. It is considered a sustainable alternative to traditional protein sources in human and animal diets.
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