Explanation

• Some plants can reproduce asexually, producing offspring genetically identical to the parent.
• Such a group of plants with the same genetic makeup is called a clone.
• Cloning helps in preserving desirable traits in agriculture and horticulture.

Last verified on 11-02-2026

Explanation

• In irrigation planning, it’s important to know the area that can actually be supplied with water by a system.
• This area is called the command area and determines the scope of irrigation projects.

Additional information:

• Gross command area → total area under an irrigation project
• Net command area → actual cultivable area irrigated
• Cultivable command area → portion suitable for cultivation

Last verified on 11-02-2026

Explanation

• Dioecious plants → individual plants produce either male or female flowers, e.g., Date palm, Papaya, Spinach.

Additional information:

• Monoecious plants → both male and female flowers on same plant, e.g., Maize, Cucumber.

Last verified on 11-02-2026

Explanation

• Flax is an important agricultural crop grown for fibres and seeds.
• It is primarily used for linen production and oil extraction from seeds.
• It is cultivated in cool climates with well-drained soil.

Last verified on 11-02-2026

Explanation

• Arthropods are divided into different classes based on body structure, legs, and antennae.
• Spiders, ticks, and mites have eight legs and no antennae, which classifies them differently from insects.
• These belong to the class Arachnida.

Last verified on 11-02-2026

Explanation

• ICRISAT (International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics) is a global research organization.
• Headquarters of ICRISAT is in Hyderabad, India.
• Founded in 1972, it aims to improve agriculture in dry tropics worldwide.
• Works on crop improvement, sustainable agriculture, and food security.

Last verified on 11-02-2026

Explanation

• Abscission is the natural detachment of plant parts like leaves, flowers, or fruits.
• It occurs at the abscission zone, a specialized layer at the base of the plant part.

Additional information:

• Hormones involved → ethylene promotes abscission, auxin delays it

Last verified on 11-02-2026

Explanation

• Vernalization is the process of exposing seeds or plants to cold to induce flowering.
• It is crucial for winter crops like wheat, barley, and some fruit trees.

Additional information:

• Photoperiodism → flowering triggered by day length
• Stratification → cold treatment of seeds to break dormancy
• Dormancy → temporary growth halt
• Chilling requirement → specific hours of low temperature needed

Last verified on 11-02-2026

Explanation

• Cropping patterns describe how crops are arranged and grown over time on the same land.
• Some systems allow two crops to overlap in the same field.
• When the second crop is sown before the first is harvested, it is called relay cropping.

Last verified on 11-02-2026

Explanation

Heterosis

• Definition: Enhanced vigor, growth, or yield in a hybrid compared to the average of its parents
• Also Called: Hybrid vigor
• Common in: Maize, rice, cotton, and other crops
• Purpose: Increases productivity, disease resistance, and stress tolerance
• Mechanism: Due to complementation of favorable alleles from both parents

Last verified on 05-02-2026