Explanation

• Plants can be shaped and managed by removing certain parts to improve growth and productivity.
• Heading back is the removal of any terminal part of a shoot or branch.
• It stimulates lateral growth, strengthens branches, and controls plant shape.

Last verified on 01-02-2026

Explanation

• Certain horticultural practices improve plant growth, shape, and fruiting.
• Topping is the removal of the inflorescence (flower cluster) along with some terminal leaves.
• It helps in controlling plant height, promoting lateral growth, and improving yield.

Last verified on 01-02-2026

Explanation

• Some organisms feed on dead and decaying organic matter instead of living organisms.
• These organisms are called saprotrophs.
• They play an important role in decomposition and nutrient recycling in ecosystems.
• Examples include fungi, bacteria, and some protists.

Last verified on 01-02-2026

Explanation

• Plant diseases can be caused by biotic (living) or abiotic (non-living) factors.
• Diseases caused by abiotic factors like drought, temperature extremes, nutrient deficiency, or chemical pollutants are non-infectious.
• Examples of abiotic diseases: chlorosis, scorching, nutrient deficiencies.

Last verified on 01-02-2026

Explanation

• Plants sometimes show abnormal growth due to external stimuli like insects, bacteria, or mechanical injury.
• This abnormal proliferation of stem tissue is called gall formation.
• Galls can occur on leaves, stems, or roots depending on the stimulus.

Last verified on 01-02-2026

Explanation

• Pruning improves air circulation and sunlight penetration, reducing humidity that favors fungal growth.
• Mango anthracnose is a fungal disease caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides.
• It affects leaves, flowers, and fruits, leading to reduced yield.

Last verified on 01-02-2026

Explanation

• Bacterial Leaf Blight (BLB) is a serious disease affecting rice crops.
• It is caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae.

Additional information:

• Rice Blast – Magnaporthe oryzae
• Sheath Blight – Rhizoctonia solani
• Brown Spot – Cochliobolus miyabeanus
• Tungro Virus – viral disease

Last verified on 24-01-2026

Explanation

• EC (Emulsifiable Concentrate): Liquid formulation mixed with water for spraying.
• WP (Wettable Powder): Powder that disperses in water before application.
• EC and WP are most popular due to ease of application and effectiveness.

Last verified on 01-02-2026

Explanation

• Gurdaspur borer (Bissetia steniellus) is a major destructive pest of sugarcane.
• It attacks sugarcane between July and September.
• It causing the tops to dry and significant yield losses.

Last verified on 01-02-2026

Explanation

• Biological control reduces chemical pesticide use, lowering environmental pollution.
• Effective in crops like cotton, vegetables, and fruit orchards.
• Sometimes combined with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for better results.

Last verified on 01-02-2026