EXAM PLANNER 100 DAYS
ICAR AIEEA PG JRF HORTICULTURE : Topics Outlined Syllabus:
***

UNIT I: Importance of Agriculture in the National Economy and Basic Principles of Crop Production (Lectures 1-40)

Week 1-2: Introduction to Agriculture and Crop Production

• Lecture 1: Importance of Agriculture in the National Economy
• Lecture 2: Basic Principles of Crop Production
• Lecture 3: Cultivation of Rice: Part 1
• Lecture 4: Cultivation of Rice: Part 2
• Lecture 5: Cultivation of Wheat: Part 1

Week 3-4: Crop Cultivation and Soil Management

• Lecture 6: Cultivation of Wheat: Part 2
• Lecture 7: Cultivation of Chickpea
• Lecture 8: Cultivation of Pigeon-pea
• Lecture 9: Cultivation of Sugarcane: Part 1
• Lecture 10: Cultivation of Sugarcane: Part 2
• Lecture 11: Cultivation of Groundnut

Week 5-6: Crop Cultivation and Soil Nutrients

• Lecture 12: Cultivation of Tomato
• Lecture 13: Cultivation of Mango
• Lecture 14: Major Soils of India
• Lecture 15: Role of NPK and Deficiency Symptoms: Part 1
• Lecture 16: Role of NPK and Deficiency Symptoms: Part 2

Week 7-8: Cellular Biology and Genetics

• Lecture 17: Structure and Function of Cell Organelles
• Lecture 18: Mitosis and Meiosis
• Lecture 19: Mendelian Genetics: Part 1
• Lecture 20: Mendelian Genetics: Part 2
• Lecture 21: Elementary Knowledge of Photosynthesis, Respiration, and Transpiration

Week 9-10: Biochemistry and Crop Protection

• Lecture 22: Structure and Functions of Carbohydrates
• Lecture 23: Structure and Functions of Proteins
• Lecture 24: Structure and Functions of Nucleic Acids
• Lecture 25: Enzymes and Vitamins
• Lecture 26: Major Pests of Rice and Their Management

Week 11-12: Crop Protection and Rural Development

• Lecture 27: Major Pests of Wheat and Their Management
• Lecture 28: Major Pests of Cotton and Chickpea
• Lecture 29: Major Pests of Sugarcane and Their Management
• Lecture 30: Important Rural Development Programs in India
• Lecture 31: Organizational Setup of Agricultural Research, Education, and Extension in India

Week 13-14: Statistical Analysis in Agriculture

• Lecture 32: Introduction to Elements of Statistics: Part 1
• Lecture 33: Elements of Statistics: Part 2
• Lecture 34: Elements of Statistics: Part 3
• Lecture 35: Elements of Statistics: Part 4
• Lecture 36: Elements of Statistics: Part 5

UNIT II: Horticultural Practices and Crop Cultivation (Lectures 41-110)

Week 15-16: Orchards and Fruit Trees

• Lecture 37: Layout and Establishment of Orchards
• Lecture 38: Pruning and Training of Fruit Trees: Part 1
• Lecture 39: Pruning and Training of Fruit Trees: Part 2
• Lecture 40: Propagation Techniques for Fruit Trees

Week 17-18: Tropical and Subtropical Fruits

• Lecture 41: Cultivation of Mango: Part 1
• Lecture 42: Cultivation of Mango: Part 2
• Lecture 43: Cultivation of Banana and Citrus
• Lecture 44: Cultivation of Guava and Grape
• Lecture 45: Cultivation of Pineapple and Papaya

Week 19-20: Temperate Fruits and Plantation Crops

• Lecture 46: Cultivation of Apple and Pear
• Lecture 47: Cultivation of Peach and Plum
• Lecture 48: Cultivation of Coconut
• Lecture 49: Cultivation of Cashew Nut
• Lecture 50: Cultivation of Spices: Part 1

Week 21-22: Spice Crops

• Lecture 51: Cultivation of Spices: Part 2
• Lecture 52: Physiological Disorders in Horticultural Crops
• Lecture 53: Major Vegetable Crops: Part 1
• Lecture 54: Major Vegetable Crops: Part 2
• Lecture 55: Raising Nursery Plants

Week 23-24: Nutritional Value and Crop Improvement

• Lecture 56: Nutritive Value of Fruits and Vegetables
• Lecture 57: Basic Physiology of Ripening
• Lecture 58: Types of Fruits and Vegetable Products
• Lecture 59: Control of Fungal and Bacterial Diseases
• Lecture 60: Floricultural Crops: Part 1

Week 25-26: Floricultural Crops and Landscape Gardening

• Lecture 61: Floricultural Crops: Part 2
• Lecture 62: Establishment and Maintenance of Lawns
• Lecture 63: Trees, Shrubs, Creepers, and Hedges
• Lecture 64: Annuals in Horticulture
• Lecture 65: Types of Gardens and Crop Improvement

Week 27-28: Plant Breeding and Nutrition

• Lecture 66: Concepts of Male Sterility and Incompatibility
• Lecture 67: Plant Breeding Methods: Part 1
• Lecture 68: Plant Breeding Methods: Part 2
• Lecture 69: Heterosis (Hybrid Vigor)
• Lecture 70: Plant Nutrients and Deficiency Symptoms: Part 1

Week 29-30: Soil Management and Irrigation

• Lecture 71: Plant Nutrients and Deficiency Symptoms: Part 2
• Lecture 72: Manures and Fertilizers
• Lecture 73: Systems of Irrigation: Part 1
• Lecture 74: Systems of Irrigation: Part 2
• Lecture 75: Management of Important Pests and Diseases: Part 1

Week 31-32: Pest and Disease Management

• Lecture 76: Management of Important Pests and Diseases: Part 2
• Lecture 77: Management of Important Pests and Diseases: Part 3
• Lecture 78: Management of Important Pests and Diseases: Part 4
• Lecture 79: Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
• Lecture 80: Disease Management Strategies

UNIT III: Crop Protection, Post-Harvest Management, and Agriculture Economics (Lectures 111-150)

Week 33-34: Crop Protection and Pest Management

• Lecture 81: Crop Protection and Pest Management
• Lecture 82: Pesticides and Their Application
• Lecture 83: Organic Farming and Sustainable Agriculture
• Lecture 84: Biotechnology in Agriculture
• Lecture 85: Post-Harvest Losses and Their Prevention: Part 1

Week 35-36: Post-Harvest Management and Value Addition

• Lecture 86: Post-Harvest Losses and Their Prevention: Part 2
• Lecture 87: Food Processing in Agriculture
• Lecture 88: Agribusiness and Marketing
• Lecture 89: Agricultural Finance and Insurance
• Lecture 90: Agricultural Economics and Policies

Week 37-38: Farm Management and Sustainable Agriculture

• Lecture 91: Farm Management and Planning
• Lecture 92: Sustainable Agriculture and Conservation Practices
• Lecture 93: Climate Change and Agriculture
• Lecture 94: Future Trends and Innovations in Agriculture
• Lecture 95: Review and Revision

*****

Refind Plan
EXAM PLANNER 100 DAYS
ICAR AIEEA PG JRF HORTICULTURE : Topics Outlined Syllabus:
***

UNIT I: Importance of Agriculture in the National Economy and Basic Principles of Crop Production (Lectures 1-40)

Week 1-2: Introduction to Agriculture and Crop Production

• Lecture 1: Importance of Agriculture in the National Economy
• Lecture 2: Basic Principles of Crop Production
• Lecture 3: Major Soils of India and NPK Nutrient Role
• Lecture 4: Deficiency Symptoms and Soil Management
• Lecture 5: Organizational Setup of Agricultural Research, Education, and Extension in India

Week 3-4: Crop Cultivation and Soil Nutrients

• Lecture 6: Crop Cultivation of Rice: Part 1
• Lecture 7: Crop Cultivation of Rice: Part 2
• Lecture 8: Crop Cultivation of Wheat: Part 1
• Lecture 9: Crop Cultivation of Wheat: Part 2
• Lecture 10: Crop Cultivation of Chickpea

Week 5-6: Crop Cultivation and Soil Management

• Lecture 11: Crop Cultivation of Pigeon-pea
• Lecture 12: Crop Cultivation of Sugarcane: Part 1
• Lecture 13: Crop Cultivation of Sugarcane: Part 2
• Lecture 14: Crop Cultivation of Groundnut
• Lecture 15: Crop Cultivation of Tomato

Week 7-8: Cellular Biology and Genetics

• Lecture 16: Structure and Function of Cell Organelles
• Lecture 17: Mitosis and Meiosis
• Lecture 18: Mendelian Genetics: Part 1
• Lecture 19: Mendelian Genetics: Part 2
• Lecture 20: Elementary Knowledge of Photosynthesis, Respiration, and Transpiration

Week 9-10: Biochemistry and Crop Protection

• Lecture 21: Structure and Functions of Carbohydrates
• Lecture 22: Structure and Functions of Proteins
• Lecture 23: Structure and Functions of Nucleic Acids
• Lecture 24: Enzymes and Vitamins
• Lecture 25: Major Pests and Diseases of Rice

Week 11-12: Crop Protection and Rural Development

• Lecture 26: Major Pests and Diseases of Wheat
• Lecture 27: Major Pests and Diseases of Cotton
• Lecture 28: Major Pests and Diseases of Chickpea
• Lecture 29: Important Rural Development Programs in India
• Lecture 30: Elements of Statistics: Part 1

Week 13-14: Statistical Analysis in Agriculture

• Lecture 31: Elements of Statistics: Part 2
• Lecture 32: Elements of Statistics: Part 3
• Lecture 33: Elements of Statistics: Part 4
• Lecture 34: Elements of Statistics: Part 5

UNIT II: Horticultural Practices and Crop Cultivation (Lectures 41-110)

Week 15-16: Orchards and Fruit Trees

• Lecture 35: Layout and Establishment of Orchards
• Lecture 36: Pruning and Training of Fruit Trees: Part 1
• Lecture 37: Pruning and Training of Fruit Trees: Part 2
• Lecture 38: Propagation Techniques for Fruit Trees
• Lecture 39: Cultivation of Mango: Part 1

Week 17-18: Tropical and Subtropical Fruits

• Lecture 40: Cultivation of Mango: Part 2
• Lecture 41: Cultivation of Banana and Citrus
• Lecture 42: Cultivation of Guava and Grape
• Lecture 43: Cultivation of Pineapple and Papaya
• Lecture 44: Cultivation of Apple and Pear

Week 19-20: Temperate Fruits and Plantation Crops

• Lecture 45: Cultivation of Peach and Plum
• Lecture 46: Cultivation of Coconut
• Lecture 47: Cultivation of Cashew Nut
• Lecture 48: Cultivation of Spices: Part 1
• Lecture 49: Cultivation of Spices: Part 2

Week 21-22: Spice Crops

• Lecture 50: Physiological Disorders in Horticultural Crops
• Lecture 51: Major Vegetable Crops of Tropical Regions
• Lecture 52: Major Vegetable Crops of Subtropical Regions
• Lecture 53: Major Vegetable Crops of Temperate Regions
• Lecture 54: Techniques for Raising Nursery Plants

Week 23-24: Nutritional Value and Crop Improvement

• Lecture 55: Nutritive Value of Fruits and Vegetables
• Lecture 56: Basic Physiology of Ripening in Fruits and Vegetables
• Lecture 57: Types of Fruits and Vegetable Products
• Lecture 58: Control of Fungal and Bacterial Diseases in Horticulture
• Lecture 59: Floricultural Crops: Part 1

Week 25-26: Floricultural Crops and Garden Management

• Lecture 60: Floricultural Crops: Part 2
• Lecture 61: Establishment and Maintenance of Lawns
• Lecture 62: Trees, Shrubs, and Creepers
• Lecture 63: Hedges and Annuals
• Lecture 64: Types of Gardens and Crop Improvement: Part 1

Week 27-28: Plant Breeding and Nutrition

• Lecture 65: Types of Gardens and Crop Improvement: Part 2
• Lecture 66: Concepts of Male Sterility and Incompatibility
• Lecture 67: Plant Breeding Methods: Part 1
• Lecture 68: Plant Breeding Methods: Part 2
• Lecture 69: Heterosis (Hybrid Vigor)

Week 29-30: Soil Management and Irrigation

• Lecture 70: Plant Nutrients and Deficiency Symptoms
• Lecture 71: Manures and Fertilizers
• Lecture 72: Systems of Irrigation
• Lecture 73: Management of Pests in Fruits and Vegetables

Week 31-32: Post-Harvest Management and Food Processing (Lectures 111-150)

UNIT III: Post-Harvest Management of Vegetable Crops

• Lecture 74: Scope and Importance of Post-Harvest Management of Vegetables
• Lecture 75: Nature and Causes of Post-Harvest Losses
• Lecture 76: Maturity Indices and Standards for Vegetables
• Lecture 77: Methods of Maturity Assessment
• Lecture 78: Physiological and Biochemical Changes During Ripening in Vegetables

Week 33-34: Harvesting and Pre-Treatments

• Lecture 79: Harvesting Methods and Practices
• Lecture 80: Pre-cooling Methods
• Lecture 81: Grading and Washing of Vegetables
• Lecture 82: Pack House Operations
• Lecture 83: Pre-treatments for Vegetable Preservation

Week 35-36: Storage and Transport

• Lecture 84: Packaging of Vegetables and Packaging Materials
• Lecture 85: Storage Methods for Vegetables
• Lecture 86: Storage Disorders and Pest Management in Vegetables
• Lecture 87: Food Processing in Agriculture

Week 37-38: Agribusiness, Finance, and Future Trends

• Lecture 88: Agribusiness and Marketing
• Lecture 89: Agricultural Finance and Insurance
• Lecture 90: Agricultural Economics and Policies
• Lecture 91: Farm Management and Planning
• Lecture 92: Sustainable Agriculture and Conservation Practices

Week 39-40: Climate Change, Innovation, and Review

• Lecture 93: Climate Change and Agriculture
• Lecture 94: Future Trends and Innovations in Agriculture
• Lecture 95: Review and Revision

SYLLABUS FOR THE ALL INDIA COMPETITIVE EXAMINATION FOR

ADMISSION TO DOCTORAL DEGREE PROGRAMMES AND THE AWARD OF

JRF/SRF (PGS):

SYLLABUS FOR ICAR AICE PHD JRF/SRF (PGS) EXAM FOR
16 POST HARVEST TECHNOLOGY

Unit 1: Post-Harvest Technology of Vegetable Crops

• Scope and importance of post-harvest management of vegetables
• Nature and causes of post-harvest losses
• Maturity indices and standards for different vegetables
• Methods of assessment of maturity
• Physiological and biochemical changes during maturity and ripening
• Enzymatic and textural changes
• Ethylene evolution and management
• Respiration and transpiration
• Influence of pre-harvest practices on shelf life and quality
• Harvesting methods and practices
• Pre-cooling methods
• Grading, washing, and pack house operations
• Pre-treatments, including chemicals, wax coating, edible coating, and irradiation
• Packaging of vegetables and packaging materials
• Storage methods (ventilated, refrigerated, MA, CA storage, etc.)
• Storage disorders and prevention
• Post-harvest diseases and pests prevention
• Principles of transport
• Food safety standards and export standards

Unit 2: Post-Harvest Technology of Fruit Crops

• Scope and importance of post-harvest management of fruits
• Factors leading to post-harvest losses
• Maturity indices and methods of assessment
• Harvesting practices and grading
• Physiological and biochemical changes during maturity and ripening
• Ethylene evolution and management
• Enzymatic and textural changes
• Respiration and transpiration
• Influence of pre-harvest practices on shelf life and quality
• Harvesting methods and practices
• Pre-cooling methods
• Grading, washing, and pack house operations
• Pre-treatments prior to shipment
• Pre-packaging and irradiation
• Packaging of fruits and packaging materials
• Storage methods (ventilated, refrigerated, MAS, CA storage, etc.)
• Physical injuries and disorders
• Transportation and marketing standards for international markets
• Principles and methods of preservation
• Food processing (canning, fruit juices, beverages, pickles, etc.)
• Dried and dehydrated products
• Nutritionally enriched products
• Fermented fruit beverages
• Packaging technology
• Processing waste management
• Food safety standards and export standards

Unit 3: Value Addition of Flowers

• Prospects of value addition
• National and global scenario, production, and export
• Women empowerment through value-added products
• Supply chain management
• Types of value-added products for flowers
• Value addition in loose flowers, garlands, veni, floats, floral decorations
• Value addition in cut flowers and flower arrangements
• Selection of containers and accessories for floral products
• Aromatherapy, pigment, and natural dye extraction techniques
• Dry flowers and their preparation techniques
• Designing and arrangement of dry flower products
• Packing and storage
• Concrete and essential oils
• Selection of species and varieties for pigments
• Extraction methods for natural pigments
• Applications and export standards

Unit 4: Processing of Plantation Crops, Spices, Medicinal, and Aromatic Plants

• Prospects of processing and value addition
• National and global scenario, production, and exports
• Commercial uses of spices and plantation crops
• Processing of major spices and plantation crops
• Extraction of oleoresin and essential oils
• Processing of produce from plantation crops
• Processing of medicinal plants
• Different methods of drying and storage
• Microbial contamination and prevention
• Influence of temperature and time on active principles
• Extraction and analysis of active principles
• Distillation and solvent extraction from aromatic plants
• Extraction of aroma compounds and aromatherapy
• Applications in pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals
• Application of nanotechnology in medicinal and aromatic plants
• Export standards

SYLLABUS FOR ICAR AICE PHD JRF/SRF (PGS) EXAM FOR 15 SPICES, PLANTATION, MEDICINAL & AROMATIC PLANTS

SYLLABUS FOR THE ALL INDIA COMPETITIVE EXAMINATION FOR

ADMISSION TO DOCTORAL DEGREE PROGRAMMES AND THE AWARD OF

JRF/SRF (PGS):

SYLLABUS FOR ICAR AICE PHD JRF/SRF (PGS) EXAM FOR

15 SPICES, PLANTATION, MEDICINAL & AROMATIC PLANTS

Unit 1: Production Technology of Plantation Crops

• Role of plantation crops in the national economy
• Export potential and IPR issues
• Clean development mechanism
• Classification and varietal diversity
• Plant multiplication and in vitro multiplication
• Systems of cultivation
• Photosynthetic efficiencies and environmental factors
• High-density planting
• Nutritional requirements
• Physiological disorders
• Role of growth regulators
• Water and nutrient management
• Fertigation
• Shade regulation
• Weed management
• Training and pruning
• Maturity indices
• Harvesting
• Post-harvest processing
• Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
• Organic farming
• Management of drought
• Precision farming
• Role of commodity boards and developmental institutions

Unit 2: Production Technology of Spice Crops

• Introduction and importance of spice crops
• Botany, taxonomy, and site selection
• Seed/planting material production
• Sowing/planting times and methods
• Seed rate and seed treatment
• Nutritional and irrigation requirements
• Intercropping and intercultural operations
• Weed control and mulching
• Physiological disorders
• Harvesting and post-harvest management
• Plant protection measures
• Precision farming
• Quality control
• Role of commodity boards in spice development

Unit 3: Production Technology of Medicinal and Aromatic Crops

• Herbal industry and WTO scenario
• Export and import status
• Indian system of medicine and Indigenous Traditional Knowledge
• IPR issues
• Systems of cultivation
• Organic production
• Role of institutions and NGOs
• GAP in medicinal crop production
• Post-harvest handling, drying, processing, grading, packing, and storage
• Quality control and regulations
• Phytochemical extraction techniques
• Aromatic industry and advancements
• Distillation methods and solvent extraction
• Quality analysis and value addition
• Institutional support and international promotion

Unit 4: Breeding of Plantation, Spice, Medicinal and Aromatic Crops

• Species and cultivars
• Cytogenetics and genetic diversity
• Blossom biology
• Breeding objectives and approaches
• Improvement of quality traits
• Resistance breeding for biotic and abiotic stresses
• Molecular-aided breeding and biotechnological approaches
• Marker-assisted selection
• Bioinformatics
• IPR issues
• Achievements and future thrusts

Unit 5: Processing of Plantation Crops, Spices, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants

• Commercial uses of spices and plantation crops
• Processing of major spices and plantation crops
• Extraction of oleoresin and essential oils
• Different methods of drying and storage
• Microbial contamination
• Extraction and analysis of active principles
• Distillation and solvent extraction from aromatic plants
• Study of aroma compounds and value addition

Unit 6: Organic Spice and Plantation Crop Production Technology

• Importance and principles of organic production
• Perspective and concept of organic production
• Soil fertility management
• Pest and disease management
• Weed control
• Crop rotation in organic horticulture
• Composting and green manure
• Indigenous methods and biodynamics
• Certification of organic products
• Organic production and export opportunities and challenges

SYLLABUS FOR THE ALL INDIA COMPETITIVE EXAMINATION FOR

ADMISSION TO DOCTORAL DEGREE PROGRAMMES AND THE AWARD OF

JRF/SRF (PGS):

SYLLABUS FOR ICAR AICE PHD JRF/SRF (PGS) EXAM FOR
14 FLORICULTURE & LANDSCAPING / FLORICULTURE & LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Unit 1: Breeding

• Principles of breeding
• Evolution of varieties
• Origin, distribution, and genetic resources
• Genetic divergence
• Patents and Plant Variety Protection in India
• Genetic inheritance of flower traits
• Breeding methods for flower crops and ornamental plants
• Role of heterosis
• Production of hybrids
• Male sterility and incompatibility
• Seed production of flower crops
• Breeding constraints and achievements
• Crops covered: Rose, Jasmine, Chrysanthemum, Marigold, Tuberose, Crossandra, Carnation, Dahlia, Gerbera, Gladioli, Orchids, Anthurium, Aster, Heliconia, Lilium, and more.

Unit 2: Production Technology of Cut Flowers

• Scope of cut flowers in global trade
• Varietal diversity
• Nursery management
• Growing environments
• Soil requirements
• Planting methods
• Environmental parameters affecting growth and flowering
• Flower production management
• Water and nutrient management
• Training, pruning, and disbudding
• Use of growth regulators
• Physiological disorders and remedies
• IPM and IDM
• Flower forcing
• Post-harvest handling
• Pre-cooling, packing, and transportation
• Marketing and export potential
• Crops covered: Cut Rose, Cut Chrysanthemum, Carnation, Gerbera, Gladioli, Tuberose, Orchids, and more.

Unit 3: Production Technology for Loose Flowers

• Scope of loose flower trade
• Varietal diversity
• Propagation methods
• Nursery management
• Soil and climate requirements
• Field preparation
• Water and nutrient management
• Weed management
• Training, pruning, and pinching
• Use of growth regulators
• Physiological disorders and remedies
• IPM and IDM
• Flower forcing
• Harvesting and post-harvest handling
• Grading, packing, and storage
• Value addition
• Concrete and essential oil extraction
• Marketing and export potential
• Crops covered: Jasmine, Scented Rose, Chrysanthemum, Marigold, Tuberose, Crossandra, Nerium, Hibiscus, and more.

Unit 4: Landscaping

• Landscape designs and styles
• Types of gardens
• Urban landscaping
• Garden plant components
• Production technology for ornamental plants
• Lawns
• Special types of gardens
• Bio-aesthetic planning
• Theme parks
• Indoor and therapeutic gardening
• Water and xeriscaping
• Hardscaping

Unit 5: Protected Floriculture

• Prospects of protected floriculture in India
• Types of protected structures
• Designing and erection of protected structures
• Environment control
• Containers and substrates
• Water and nutrient management
• Physiological disorders
• IPM and IDM
• Crop regulation and photoperiod
• Harvesting and post-harvest handling
• Sorting, grading, and packing
• Storage and quality standards

Unit 6: Value Addition

• Prospects of value addition
• Types of value-added products
• Value addition in cut flowers and loose flowers
• Dry flowers
• Concrete and essential oils
• Plant pigments

Unit 7: Turfing and Turf Management

• Prospects of the landscape industry
• Turf grasses
• Selection of grasses
• Turfing methods
• Turf management
• Mowing and weed control
• Stress management in turfs

Unit 8: Computer-Aided Designing (CAD) for Outdoor and Indoorscaping

• Introduction to CAD
• 2D drawing by AUTOCAD
• 3D drawing by ARCHICAD
• Photoshop basics
• Drawing techniques in AUTOCAD and ARCHICAD
• Designing outdoor and indoor gardens using CAD

SYLLABUS FOR THE ALL INDIA COMPETITIVE EXAMINATION FOR

ADMISSION TO DOCTORAL DEGREE PROGRAMMES AND THE AWARD OF

JRF/SRF (PGS):

SYLLABUS FOR ICAR AICE PHD JRF/SRF (PGS) EXAM FOR
13. FRUIT SCIENCE/POMOLOGY

Unit 1: Tropical and Dry Land Fruit Production

• Commercial varieties of fruits
• Eco-physiological requirements
• Recent trends in propagation
• Scion-stock relationship
• Planting systems
• Cropping systems
• Canopy management
• Nutrient management
• Water management
• Fertigation
• Role of bio-regulators
• Abiotic factors limiting fruit production
• Physiology of flowering, pollination, fruit set, and development
• Honeybees in cross-pollination
• Physiological disorders, causes, and remedies
• Quality improvement
• Maturity indices
• Harvesting, grading, packing
• Storage and ripening techniques
• Industrial and export potential
• Agri. Export Zones (AEZ) and industrial supports
• Crops covered: Mango, Banana, Citrus, Papaya, Guava, Sapota, Annonas, Aonla, Bael, Wood apple, Jamun, Pomegranate, Ber, and minor fruits of the tropics.

Unit 2: Subtropical and Temperate Fruit Production

• Commercial varieties of fruits
• Eco-physiological requirements
• Recent trends in propagation
• Scion-stock relationship
• Planting systems
• Cropping systems
• Root zone and canopy management
• Nutrient management
• Water management
• Fertigation
• Role of bio-regulators
• Abiotic factors limiting fruit production
• Physiology of flowering, pollination, fruit set, and development
• Honeybees in cross-pollination
• Physiological disorders, causes, and remedies
• Quality improvement
• Maturity indices
• Harvesting, grading, packing
• Storage and ripening techniques
• Industrial and export potential
• Agri. Export Zones (AEZ) and industrial supports
• Crops covered: Avocado, Pineapple, Jackfruit, Mangosteen, Carambola, Fig, Rambutan, Litchi, Loquat, Apple, Pear, Quince, Grapes, Plums, Peach, Apricot, Cherries, Persimmon, Kiwifruit, Strawberry, Walnut, Almond, Pistachio, Hazelnut.

Unit 3: Biodiversity and Conservation

• Biodiversity and conservation
• Centres of origin of cultivated fruits
• Genetic diversity centers
• Germplasm exploration and collection
• Conservation in-situ and ex-situ
• Germplasm conservation techniques
• Intellectual property rights
• Regulatory horticulture
• Detection of genetic constitution of germplasm
• GIS and documentation of local biodiversity
• Geographical indication
• Crops covered: Mango, Sapota, Citrus, Guava, Banana, Papaya, Grapes, Jackfruit, Custard apple, Ber, Aonla, Malus & Prunus sp., Litchi, Nuts.

Unit 4: Canopy Management in Fruit Crops

• Importance and advantages of canopy management
• Factors affecting canopy development
• Canopy types and structures
• Geometry of planting
• Canopy manipulation for optimal light utilization
• Light interception and distribution
• Spacing and land area utilization
• Canopy management through rootstock and scion
• Canopy management through plant growth retardants, training, pruning, and other practices
• Canopy development and management in relation to growth, flowering, fruiting, and fruit quality
• Crops covered: Temperate fruits, Grapes, Mango, Sapota, Guava, Citrus, Ber.

Unit 5: Breeding of Fruit Crops

• Origin, distribution, and taxonomy of fruit crops
• Genetic resources and breeding systems
• Breeding objectives and constraints
• Approaches for crop improvement
• Biotechnological interventions
• Crop-specific breeding achievements and future thrust
• Crops covered: Mango, Banana, Pineapple, Citrus, Grapes, Guava, Sapota, Jackfruit, Papaya, Custard apple, Aonla, Avocado, Ber, Litchi, Jamun, Phalsa, Mulberry, Raspberry, Apple, Pear, Plums, Peach, Apricot, Cherries, Strawberry.

Unit 6: Post-Harvest Technology

• Maturity indices and harvesting practices
• Grading for market requirements
• Influence of pre-harvest practices
• Physiology and biochemistry of fruit ripening
• Ethylene management
• Factors leading to post-harvest loss
• Pre-cooling and treatment prior to shipment
• Packaging methods and transport
• Quality evaluation and preservation
• Food processing and safety standards
• Role of HACCP

Unit 7: Growth and Development

• Definitions and parameters of growth and development
• Growth dynamics and morphogenesis
• Environmental impacts on growth and development
• Hormonal regulation
• Assimilate partitioning
• Influence of water and mineral nutrition
• Biosynthesis of plant growth regulators
• Developmental physiology and biochemistry
• Growth and development during stress
• Manipulation of growth and development
• Molecular and genetic approaches

Unit 8: Biotechnology of Fruit Crops

• Biotechnology for crop improvement
• In vitro culture techniques
• Callus culture, somatic embryogenesis, and organogenesis
• Use of bioreactors
• Micropropagation
• Hardening of tissue culture plants
• Clonal propagation
• Genetic engineering and transformation
• Use of molecular markers
• Application of gene editing tools

Unit 9: Protected Fruit Culture

• Greenhouse design and types
• Environmental factors
• Basics of greenhouse design
• Interaction of light, temperature, humidity, CO2, and water
• Greenhouse heating, cooling, and ventilation
• Ventilation types and techniques
• Microcontrollers and automation
• Pest and disease management

Unit 10: Principles and Practices of Plant Propagation

• Sexual propagation and seed germination
• Rooting of cuttings
• Selection of elite mother plants
• Establishment of bud wood bank
• Stock, scion, and interstock relationship
• Physiology of dwarfing rootstocks
• Rejuvenation of orchards
• Micropropagation
• In vitro mutation and genetic engineering
• Preservation of genetic resources

SYLLABUS FOR ICAR AICE PHD JRF/SRF (PGS) EXAM FOR 12. VEGETABLE SCIENCE / OLERICULTURE

SYLLABUS FOR THE ALL INDIA COMPETITIVE EXAMINATION FOR

ADMISSION TO DOCTORAL DEGREE PROGRAMMES AND THE AWARD OF

JRF/SRF (PGS):

SYLLABUS FOR ICAR AICE PHD JRF/SRF (PGS) EXAM FOR

12. VEGETABLE SCIENCE / OLERICULTURE:

***

Unit 1: Production Technology of Cool Season Vegetable Crops

• Introduction, climatic, and soil requirements
• Commercial varieties/hybrids
• Sowing/planting times and methods
• Seed rate and seed treatment
• Nutritional and irrigation requirements
• Intercultural operations
• Weed control
• Mulching
• Physiological disorders
• Harvesting of various vegetables, including potato, chow chow, cabbage, cauliflower, knolkhol, broccoli, root crops (carrot, radish, turnip, beetroot), bulb crops (onion, garlic), peas, beans, and palak.

Unit 2: Production Technology of Warm Season Vegetable Crops

• Introduction, climatic, and soil requirements
• Commercial varieties/hybrids
• Sowing/planting times and methods
• Seed rate and seed treatment
• Nutritional and irrigation requirements
• Intercultural operations
• Weed control
• Mulching
• Physiological disorders
• Harvesting of various vegetables, including tomato, eggplant, pepper (hot and sweet), okra, vegetable cowpea, Dolichos lablab, cluster bean, cucurbitaceous crops, sweet potato, cassava, yams, coclocasia, moringa, and amaranths.

Unit 3: Breeding of Vegetable Crops

• Cytogenetics and genetics
• Breeding objectives
• Breeding methods (introduction, selection, hybridization, mutation)
• Varieties and varietal characterization
• Resistance breeding for biotic and abiotic stress
• Quality improvement
• Biotechnology and its use in breeding in vegetable crops
• Molecular markers, genomics, marker-assisted selection, and QTLs in various vegetable crops.

Unit 4: Growth and Development

• Cellular structures and their functions
• Growth and development definitions
• Growth analysis in vegetable production
• Physiology of dormancy and germination of vegetable seeds, tubers, and bulbs
• Role of hormones and growth regulators
• Application of synthetic hormones and plant growth retardants
• Role of light, temperature, and photoperiod
• Physiology of fruit set, fruit development, fruit growth, flower and fruit drop
• Parthenocarpy in vegetable crops
• Ethylene, senescence, and abscission
• Fruit ripening and physiological changes associated with ripening
• Plant growth regulators in relation to morphogenesis and tissue culture techniques.

Unit 5: Seed Production

• Importance and status of the vegetable industry
• Modes of propagation in vegetables
• Seed morphology and development
• Floral biology
• Quality seed production steps and methods
• Seed production technology for various vegetable types
• Clonal propagation and multiplication in tuber crops
• Hybrid seed production technology
• Use of male sterility and self-incompatibility in hybrid seed production.

Unit 6: Systematics of Vegetable Crops

• Principles of classification
• Methods of classification
• International code of nomenclature of vegetable crops
• Origin, history, evolution, and distribution of vegetable crops
• Taxonomy and botanical description of various vegetable families, genera, and species
• Role of molecular markers in evolution and taxonomy of vegetable crops.

Unit 7: Production Technology of Underexploited Vegetable Crops

• Introduction and botany
• Climatic and soil requirements
• Commercial varieties/hybrids
• Planting time and method
• Seed rate and seed treatment
• Nutritional and irrigation requirements
• Intercultural operations
• Weed control
• Mulching
• Physiological disorders
• Harvesting of underexploited vegetables.

Unit 8: Post-Harvest Technology of Vegetable Crops

• Importance and scope of post-harvest management
• Maturity indices and standards
• Methods of maturity determination
• Biochemistry of maturity and ripening
• Harvesting practices
• Grading and packaging
• Post-harvest physiological and biochemical changes
• Disorders and prevention
• Storage methods and practices
• HACCP, Codex, FSSAI.

Unit 9: Organic Vegetable Production Technology

• Principles and components of organic production
• Managing soil fertility, pests, diseases, and weeds in organic farming
• Crop rotation
• Methods of enhancing soil fertility
• Mulching and green manure crops
• Composting and biodynamic preparations
• Organic certification standards and challenges.

Unit 10: Hi-tech Production Technology of Vegetable Crops

• Importance of protected cultivation
• Greenhouse technology
• Effect of environmental factors
• Energy management
• Low-cost structures
• Engineering aspects
• Types of protected structures
• Cladding materials
• Irrigation and fertigation
• Special horticultural practices
• Hydroponics and soilless culture
• Enhancing productivity and off-season cultivation.

Syllabus for ICAR AIEEA PG JRF Exam for Group: Code 08: MAJOR SUBJECT GROUP - HORTICULTURE

SYLLABI FOR ICAR’S ALL INDIA ENTRANCE EXAMINATION FOR ADMISSION TO MASTER DEGREE PROGRAMMES AND ICAR-PG SCHOLARSHIP/NTS (PGS)

Syllabus for ICAR AIEEA PG JRF Exam for Group:

(CLICK HERE)

Code 08: MAJOR SUBJECT GROUP - HORTICULTURE

• Sub-Subjects:
• 8.1: Horticulture
• 8.2: Vegetable Crops or Sci. / Olericulture
• 8.3: Pomology/ Fruit Sci., Fruit Sci. and Horticulture Technology
• 8.4: Post-Harvest Technology of Horticultural Crops
• 8.5: Floriculture & Landscaping Architecture
• 8.6: Plantation Spices, Medicinal and Aromatic Crops

UNIT-I: Importance of Agriculture in the National Economy and Basic Principles of Crop Production

• Cultivation of various crops including rice, wheat, chickpea, pigeon-pea, sugarcane, groundnut, tomato, and mango.
• Major soils of India and the role of NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) and deficiency symptoms.
• Structure and function of cell organelles.
• Mitosis and meiosis.
• Mendelian genetics.
• Elementary knowledge of photosynthesis, respiration, and transpiration.
• Structure and functions of carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids, enzymes, and vitamins.
• Major pests and diseases of rice, wheat, cotton, chickpea, sugarcane, and their management.
• Important rural development programs in India.
• Organizational setup of agricultural research, education, and extension in India.
• Elements of statistics.

UNIT-II: Horticultural Practices and Crop Cultivation

• Layout and establishment of orchards.
• Pruning and training of fruit trees.
• Propagation and climatic requirements for fruits like mango, banana, citrus, guava, grape, pineapple, papaya, apple, pear, peach, and plum.
• Cultivation of plantation crops like coconut and cashew nut.
• Cultivation of spices like black pepper, coriander, and turmeric.
• Physiological disorders in horticultural crops.
• Major vegetable crops of tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions.
• Techniques for raising nursery plants.
• Nutritive value of fruits and vegetables and their role in human nutrition.
• Basic physiology of ripening in fruits and vegetables.
• Types of fruits and vegetable products and control of fungal and bacterial diseases.
• Major floricultural crops grown in India for commercial purposes such as rose, carnation, chrysanthemum, marigold, tuberose, gladiolus, and orchids.
• Establishment and maintenance of lawns, trees, shrubs, creepers, hedges, and annuals.
• Types of gardens and methods of crop improvement.
• Concepts of male sterility and incompatibility.
• Plant breeding methods including pure line and pedigree selection, backcross, and mass selection.
• Heterosis (hybrid vigor).
• Plant nutrients, deficiency symptoms, manures, and fertilizers.
• Systems of irrigation.
• Management of important pests and diseases of fruits and vegetables.

Information Bulletin of ICAR AIEEA (PG) – 2023 

website: icar.nta.nic.in/information-bulletin/

: Click

Restructured and Revised Syllabi of Post-graduate Programmes

MSc.

 – Plant Sciences – Plant Protection – Horticultural Sciences – Forestry – Sericulture

: Click here

– Physical Sciences – Social Sciences – Basic Sciences – Biotechnology and Bioinformatics – Statistical Sciences

: Click here

Notes on Cotton (Gossypium spp.): 

Read doc: Click

Source: Modern Techniques of Raising Field Crops Book by Chhidda Singh

Origin and History:

• Used in India for over 5000 years, cultivated in the Indus Valley.
• Referenced in ancient texts like the Rig-Veda and Manu's Dharma Shastra.
• Originated in India, spread to Egypt, Spain, and Italy.
• India: Center of cotton industry around 1500 BC.

Area and Distribution:

• Global cultivation: 33.1 million hectares, producing 52.1 million tonnes of seed cotton (as of 1999).
• Major producers: India, USA, Russia, China, Brazil, Egypt, Pakistan, Turkey, Mexico, Sudan.
• India: Largest in acreage (8.7 million hectares), fourth in production.

Classification:

• Family: Malvaceae, Genus: Gossypium.
• Gossypium includes 20 species, with both wild and cultivated types.
• Cultivated species: Gossypium arboreum, Gossypium herbaceum, Gossypium hirsutum, Gossypium barbadense.

Botanical Description:

• Perennial in the wild, annual when cultivated.
• Height: 60-200 cm.
• Root: Taproot with lateral branching.
• Stem: Erect, branched.
• Leaves: Spirally arranged, 3-9 lobes.
• Flowers: In fruiting branches only, typical of Malvaceae family.

Climatic Requirements:

• Warm season crop.
• Mean annual temperature: Over 16°C.
• Annual rainfall: At least 50 cm.
• Temperature range: 16°C - 43°C.
• Frost-free season of 180-240 days required in North India.

Soil:

• Suitable soils: Sandy loam, clay loam, alluvial, black cotton, red sandy loams, lateritic.
• Avoid: Sandy, saline, waterlogged soils.
• Soil pH: 5.5 - 8.5.

Cropping Systems:

• Northern India: Rotations with wheat, chickpea, pea, linseed, berseem.
• Southern India: Cotton-sorghum-ragi rotation, intercropping common.

Field Preparation:

• Requires well-prepared seedbed.
• Ploughing, harrowing, planking recommended.

Seed and Sowing:

• Seed Treatment: Delinting with sulphuric acid, treatment for pests and diseases.
• Seed Rate and Spacing: Varies by variety and region.

Sowing Time and Method:

• Optimal sowing time varies by region.
• Sowing method: Drilling seed in rows.

Manures and Fertilisers:

• Cotton is a heavy feeder.
• Recommendations vary by region and variety.

Water Management:

• Irrigation based on rain frequency and intensity.
• Avoid waterlogging.

Weed Control:

• Interculture necessary for weed control.
• Manual and chemical methods used.

Diseases:

• Common diseases: Root Rot, Fusarium Wilt, Anthracnose, Bacterial Blight, Myrothecium Leaf Spot, Boll Rot.
• Control measures include crop rotation, chemical treatments, resistant varieties.

Insect Pests:

• Major pests: Pink Boll Worm, Spotted Boll Worm, American Boll Worm, Jassids, Aphids, Thrips, Whitefly, Cotton Leaf Roller.
• Control measures include heating seeds, fumigation, resistant varieties, chemical sprays.

Use of Hormones:

• Naphthalene Acetic Acid and Cycocel Sprays for better boll formation and growth control.

Harvesting:

• Handpicked in multiple stages.
• Important to dry and clean properly for market quality.

Yield:

• Improved practices can yield 15-20 quintals per hectare.
• Higher yields (25-30 q/ha) from hybrids.

***

MCQs on Cultivation of Fibre Crops (Jute, Mesta, Ramie, Sunhemp)

MCQs on Cultivation of Jute (Corchorus sp.):

Answer is marked #

What percentage of the jute area is covered by Corchorus olitorius (Mita Path/Tossa)?

A) 10-15%

B) 25%

C) 50%

D) 80% #

Which country ranks first in both jute production and area?

A) Bangladesh

B) India #

C) China

D) Myanmar

What is the optimum soil pH for cultivating jute?

A) 5.5

B) 6.4 #

C) 7.2

D) 8.0

Jute belongs to which family?

A) Fabaceae

B) Malvaceae #

C) Urticaceae

D) Agavaceae

What is the primary use of approximately 72% of jute goods?

A) Export

B) Industrial use

C) Domestic consumption #

D) Textile manufacturing

MCQs on Cultivation of Mesta (Hibiscus sp.):

What is the weight of one bale of mesta?

A) 100 kg

B) 125 kg

C) 150 kg

D) 181 kg #

Which Indian state has the maximum productivity of mesta?

A) Andhra Pradesh

B) West Bengal #

C) Maharashtra

D) Bihar

Mesta belongs to which family?

A) Fabaceae

B) Malvaceae #

C) Urticaceae

D) Agavaceae

Which of the following fibers is not rich in cellulose?

A) Jute

B) Mesta

C) Sunhemp

D) Ramie #

Which mesta plant is more drought-tolerant?

A) Kenaf

B) Roselle #

C) Hibiscus sabdariffa var. altissima

D) H. cannabinus

MCQs on Cultivation of Sunhemp (Crotalaria juncea):

What is the ideal harvest time for Sunhemp?

A) 60 days after sowing

B) 90 days after sowing #

C) 120 days after sowing

D) 150 days after sowing

Sunhemp belongs to which family?

A) Fabaceae #

B) Malvaceae

C) Urticaceae

D) Agavaceae

Which Indian state has the largest area under sunhemp cultivation?

A) Maharashtra #

B) Orissa

C) West Bengal

D) Andhra Pradesh

What is the main use of sunhemp as a crop?

A) Textile production

B) Green manure #

C) Food crop

D) Medicinal purposes

What color is the fiber produced by sunhemp?

A) White

B) Creamy-white

C) Dull yellow #

D) Brown

Cultivation of Ramie (Boehmeria nivea):

Which state in India is a major producer of Ramie?

A) West Bengal

B) Assam #

C) Maharashtra

D) Andhra Pradesh

Ramie belongs to which family?

A) Fabaceae

B) Malvaceae

C) Urticaceae #

D) Agavaceae

What is the characteristic length of Ramie fiber?

A) 60 mm

B) 80 mm

C) 100 mm

D) 120 mm #

What is the gum content in Ramie fiber after decortication?

A) 10-20%

B) 20-30% #

C) 30-40%

D) 40-50%

What is the optimum pH for Ramie cultivation?

A) 4-5

B) 5-6

C) 6-7 #

D) 7-8

Cultivation of Sisal (Agave sisalana):

Sisal is significantly grown in which Indian state?

A) Orissa #

B) Madhya Pradesh

C) West Bengal

D) Maharashtra

What family does Sisal belong to?

A) Fabaceae

B) Malvaceae

C) Urticaceae

D) Agavaceae #

How is Sisal primarily propagated?

A) Seeds

B) Bulbils and suckers #

C) Cuttings

D) Grafting

What percentage of a sisal leaf is made up of fiber?

A) 2%

B) 4% #

C) 6%

D) 8%

From which country was Sisal introduced to other parts of the world?

A) India

B) China

C) Mexico #

D) Brazil

Notes on Chickpea ( Cicer arietinum L ):

Read doc: Click

Source: Modern Techniques of Raising Field Crops Book by Chhidda Singh

Introduction to Chickpea:

• Role in Indian Agriculture: Premier pulse crop in India, integral in cropping systems.
• Nutritional Value: Major source of protein, rich in essential amino acids, and aids in soil nitrogen fixation.
• Production Statistics: In 1999-2000, total food production in India was around 209 million tonnes, with pulses, including chickpea, constituting 13.4 million tonnes.

Origin and History:

• Known Since: Chickpea has been cultivated from ancient times in Asia and Europe.
• Place of Origin: Southwestern Asia, countries like Afghanistan and Persia.
• Historical References: Mentioned by Aykroid and Doughty (1964) and De Candolle; has a Sanskrit name indicating long-standing cultivation in India.

Area and Distribution:

• Global Distribution: Cultivated over 12.0 million hectares worldwide.
• Leading Producers: India, Pakistan, Burma, Turkey, with India being the top producer.
• Indian Statistics: Occupies about 38% of the area under pulses in India; major producing states include Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Maharashtra, and Punjab.

Classification:

• Types of Gram: Desi or Brown Gram (Cicer arietinumL.) and Kabuli or White Gram (Cicer kabulium).
• Characteristics: Desi variety has smaller, varied colored seeds; Kabuli has white, bold grains.

Botanical Description:

• Family: Leguminosae.
• Plant Structure: Small, branched, herbaceous, rarely exceeding 60 cm in height.
• Root System: Well-developed with a central tap root and lateral branches.

Climatic Requirements:

• Season: Winter season crop; vulnerable to severe cold and frost.
• Rainfall: Suited to areas with moderate rainfall of 60-90 cm per annum.

Soil Preferences:

• Soil Types: Grown on a wide range of soils; best in well-drained, sandy loam to clay loam soils.
• Soil pH: Preferably near neutral, unsuited to soils with pH higher than 8.5.

Varieties:

• Desi Varieties: Includes Avrodhi, Pant G-186, Gaurav, Uday, Pusa-256, and many others.
• Kabuli Varieties: Includes C- 104, L-550, Pusa- 1003, and others.
• Characteristics: Vary in maturity period, resistance to diseases, and yield potential.

Cropping Systems:

• Common Systems: Includes rotations and mixtures with rice, maize, pearl millet, sorghum, etc.
• Benefits: Helps in controlling soil-borne diseases.

Field Preparation:

• Seedbed Requirements: Requires rough seedbed, special care in preparation.
• Sowing Timing: Optimal sowing periods vary by region.

Seed and Sowing:

• Sowing Period: Varies by region, generally in October or November.
• Seed Rate: 75-100 kg per hectare, sown at 8-10 cm depth.

Manures and Fertilisers:

• Nitrogen Fixation: Chickpea fulfills part of its nitrogen requirement symbiotically.
• Fertiliser Application: Responses to phosphorus and potassium applications are variable.

Water Management:

• Irrigation: Typically rainfed, but requires irrigation under certain conditions.

Weed Control:

• Weed Management: Requires hand weeding or intercultural operations; herbicides like Fluchloralin can be used.

Diseases:

• Common Diseases: Wilt, sclerotinia blight, grey mold, rust, and Ascochyta blight.
• Control Measures: Include using resistant varieties and fungicides.

Insect Pests:

• Major Pests: Include gram cutworm and pod borer.
• Control Measures: Use of pesticides like Monocrotophos and Endosulfan.

Harvesting and Threshing:

• Harvest Period: When leaves turn reddish-brown and start shedding.
• Threshing Methods: Includes beating with sticks or trampling under the feet of bullocks.

Yield:

• Potential Yield: A well-managed crop can yield 20-25 quintals per hectare.

MCQs on Cultivation of Sugar Beet ( Beta vulgaris )

What percentage of the world's total sugar production is contributed by Sugar Beet (Beta vulgaris)?

A) 10.5%

B) 21.8% #

C) 35.2%

D) 50.4%

Which of the following is a use of Sugar Beet other than sugar production?

A) Textile manufacturing

B) Pharmaceutical ingredient

C) Source of ethanol for automobile fuel #

D) Water purification

What type of climate is required for the cultivation of Sugar Beet?

A) Tropical

B) Arid

C) Cool, temperate regions #

D) Humid subtropical

Which sowing method is NOT mentioned for Sugar Beet cultivation?

A) Raised bed

B) FIRB method

C) Direct seeding

D) Singling #

What is the purpose of the process called 'Singling' in Sugar Beet cultivation?

A) Applying fertilizers

B) Irrigation method

C) Removing all but one robust seedling per seed pocket #

D) Harvesting the crop

"Strategic Last-Minute Guidance for Success in IBPS SO-AFO Prelims 2023"

"Strategic Last-Minute Guidance for Success in Govt. Job Like IBPS SO-AFO Prelims 2023"

1. Review Exam Pattern and Syllabus:
   • Ensure you are familiar with the latest exam pattern and syllabus. Focus on the key topics and sections that carry more weight.
2. Time Management:
   • Allocate time for each section based on your strengths and weaknesses. Stick to a predefined time limit for each question.
3. Revision of Basics:
   • Quickly revise the fundamental concepts of your chosen specialist officer cadre. Ensure you are well-versed in the core topics.
4. Mock Tests:
   • Take a few last-minute mock tests to get a feel for the exam environment and identify any weak areas. Analyze your performance and work on improving your speed and accuracy.
5. Previous Year Papers:
   • Solve previous year question papers to understand the exam pattern and the types of questions asked. This will help you adapt to the actual exam more effectively.
6. Focus on Strengths:
   • Prioritize questions based on your strengths. Start with the sections you are most confident about to secure those marks early on.
7. Stay Calm and Positive:
   • Keep a positive mindset. Do not panic if you come across challenging questions. Stay calm and move on to the next question. Maintaining composure is crucial.
8. Shortcut Techniques:
   • Brush up on shortcut techniques and quick calculation methods. These can save valuable time during the exam.
9. Current Affairs:
   • Stay updated with current affairs, especially in the banking and finance sector. Be aware of recent developments, policies, and announcements.
10. Healthy Lifestyle:
    • Ensure you get a good night's sleep before the exam day. Eat a healthy meal, stay hydrated, and avoid excessive stress.
11. Admit Card and ID:
    • Keep your admit card and a valid photo ID ready a day before the exam. Double-check the exam venue and reporting time.
12. Read Instructions Carefully:
    • Pay close attention to the instructions provided in the question paper. Understand the marking scheme and any specific directions given.
13. Guessing Strategy:
    • If unsure about an answer, use a strategic approach to guessing. Eliminate obviously incorrect options and make an educated guess if needed.
14. Time for Revision:
    • Reserve the last few minutes for a quick revision. Review your answers and make sure you haven't missed any questions.

Remember, the key is to stay focused, manage your time effectively, and maintain a positive attitude. Best of luck with your IBPS SO Prelims 2023!

Notes on Dryland Agronomy:

Read in Doc: Click

Dryland Agronomy: The branch of agronomy that deals with the cultivation of crops in regions with low or erratic rainfall, where irrigation is not feasible or economical.

Dryland Agriculture: The cultivation of crops in regions with annual rainfall of less than 750 mm, where crop failure is more common and growing season is less than 75 days.

Dryland Farming: The cultivation of drought resistant, short duration and high yielding varieties of crops in regions with annual rainfall of less than 800 mm, where soil and water conservation measures are adopted to enhance crop productivity and sustainability.

Rainfed Farming: The cultivation of field crops entirely with rain water received during the crop season (rainfall usually more than 750 mm) under humid or sub humid climate, where the crop may face little or no moisture stress during their life cycle.

Drought: A condition of moisture deficit sufficient to have an adverse effect on vegetation, animals and human beings. It can be classified into four types: meteorological, hydrological, agricultural and socio-economic.

Drought Resistance: The ability of a plant to withstand drought conditions and maintain normal growth and development.

Drought Tolerance: The ability of a plant to survive drought conditions and resume growth when moisture becomes available.

Drought Escape: The ability of a plant to complete its life cycle before the onset of drought or during a favourable period of moisture availability.

Drought Avoidance: The ability of a plant to reduce transpiration and conserve soil moisture by various morphological, physiological and biochemical adaptations.

Antitranspirants: Chemicals or materials that reduce transpiration loss from plants by affecting the stomatal opening, leaf reflectance, leaf temperature or vapour diffusion.

Soil Erosion: The detachment and transportation of soil particles by the action of water, wind or gravity.

Soil Conservation: The prevention or reduction of soil erosion and maintenance or enhancement of soil fertility by various mechanical, biological or agronomical measures.

Water Harvesting: The collection and storage of runoff water from a catchment area for beneficial use.

Watershed: A drainage area or basin from which runoff from precipitation flows to a common point along a stream or river.

Watershed Management: The planning and implementation of land use and water management practices to optimize the production potential and environmental quality of a watershed.

Contour Farming: The method of cultivation in which operations including sowing are carried out along the contour lines to reduce runoff, conserve soil moisture and increase crop yield.

Contour Bunding: The construction of earthen embankments or ridges across the slope along the contour lines to check the velocity and flow of runoff water and prevent soil erosion.

Graded Bunding: The construction of earthen embankments or ridges across the slope with a gentle gradient to facilitate the safe disposal of excess runoff water without causing erosion.

Broad Bed and Furrow: A system of land shaping in which the field is divided into alternate raised beds and sunken furrows to provide better drainage and aeration in heavy soils and conserve moisture in light soils.

Strip Cropping: The cultivation of erosion resistant and erosion permitting crops on alternate strips of suitable width along the contour and across the slope to reduce soil loss and runoff.

Alley Cropping: The cultivation of annual crops between rows of perennial trees or shrubs, which provide shade, mulch, organic matter and nutrients to the crops and also act as windbreaks or shelterbelts.

Agroforestry: The integration of trees, crops and livestock on the same land unit to diversify and sustain production and conserve natural resources.

Mixed Farming: The combination of crop and animal production on the same farm to increase income, reduce risk and improve resource use efficiency.

Integrated Farming System: The holistic approach of farming that optimizes the use of available resources and maximizes the output of various farm enterprises in a sustainable manner.

Crop Rotation: The practice of growing different crops in succession on the same piece of land to maintain or improve soil fertility, control pests and diseases, and increase crop yield and quality.

Inter Cropping: The practice of growing two or more crops simultaneously on the same piece of land in a definite row proportion or arrangement.

Relay Cropping: The practice of growing two or more crops sequentially on the same piece of land, where the second crop is sown before the harvest of the first crop.

Multiple Cropping: The practice of growing two or more crops consecutively on the same piece of land in the same year8.

Mixed Cropping: The practice of growing two or more crops simultaneously on the same piece of land without any definite row arrangement or proportion.

Crop Diversification: The practice of growing a variety of crops to reduce dependence on a single crop, spread risk, increase income and ensure food security.

Contingency Cropping: The practice of growing alternative crops or varieties in place of normal crops under aberrant weather conditions such as delayed or early onset of monsoon, drought or excess rainfall.

Crop Model: A mathematical representation of a crop system that simulates the crop growth and development in response to weather, soil and management factors.

***

Question Answer on "Climate Resilient Agriculture":

Give answer of the following in few words:

(i) Carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide are popularly known as?

(ii) A week in which rainfall is less than half of its normal is called?

(iii) Rainfall in a region adequate for one crop but not for other crops is known as?

(iv) A condition that exists when the temperature of the Earth's surface and earthbound objects falls below zero degrees.

(v) Name any two crop-based adaptation strategies.

(vi) A plan for making alternative crop or cultivar choices in tune with the actual rainfall situation and soil moisture status is known as?

(vii) Expand SSNM.

(viii) Sequestering carbon in the soils through the adoption of agricultural practices is broadly known as?

(ix) A carbon-rich, fine-grained, porous substance, similar to charcoal in its appearance is known as?

(x) Name any two models widely used for the estimation of soil organic carbon stock?

(xi) Name the greenhouse gas possessing higher global warming potential?

(xii) A land use system involving trees with agricultural crops, pastures, and/or livestock is known as?

Fill in the blanks:

(i) A change in the state of climate is referred to as...

(ii) Increase in CO2 promotes the growth and productivity of... plants.

(iii) Climate change will alter the interaction between the insect pest and their... plants.

(iv) Prolonged meteorological drought results in... drought.

(v) Off-season tillage and broad bed furrow system of planting are popular... practices.

Write true or false:

(i) Paddy fields are the main source of methane.

(ii) Wet and dry spells do not cause any impact on standing crops.

(iii) Climate change will have an impact on soil quality.

(iv) Stunted growth occurs during early-season drought.

(v) 2% DAP foliar spray in pulses is a good tool during frequent dry spells.

Answering of the question:

Carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide are popularly known as: Greenhouse Gases (GHGs)​​.

A week in which rainfall is less than half of its normal is called: Drought week​​.

Rainfall in a region adequate for one crop but not for other crops are known as: Apparent drought​​.

A condition that exists when the temperature of the earth's surface and earthbound objects fall below zero degrees: Frost​​.

Name any two crop-based adaptation strategies: Conservation agriculture and Integrated Nutrient Management (INM)​​.

A plan for making alternative crop or cultivar choices in tune with the actual rainfall situation and soil moisture status is known as: Contingency crop planning​​.

Expand SSNM: Site-Specific Nutrient Management​​.

Sequestering carbon in the soils through the adoption of agricultural practices is broadly known as: Conservation agriculture​​.

A carbon-rich, fine-grained, porous substance, similar to charcoal in its appearance is known as: Bio-char​​.

Name any two models widely used for the estimation of soil organic carbon stock: (This specific information is not available in the document).

Name the greenhouse gas possessing higher global warming potential: Nitrous Oxide (N2O)​​.

A land use system involving trees with agricultural crops, pastures and/or livestock is known as: (This specific information is not available in the document).

Fill in the blanks:

A change in the state of climate is referred to as... Climate change.

Increase in CO2 promotes the growth and productivity of... C3 plants.

Climate change will alter the interaction between the insect pest and their... host plants​​.

Prolonged meteorological drought results in... hydrological drought.

Off-season tillage and broad bed furrow system of planting are popular... conservation practices.

Write true or false:

Paddy fields are the main source of methane: True.

Wet and dry spells do not cause any impact on standing crops: False.

Climate change will have an impact on soil quality: True.

Stunted growth occurs during early-season drought: True.

2% DAP foliar spray in pulses is a good tool during frequent dry spells: True.

MCQs on Climate Resilient Agriculture:

10 multiple-choice questions with explanations for each answer:

What contributes to the variability and change in climate?

A) Only natural internal processes

B) Persistent anthropogenic changes in land use

C) Changes in solar radiation and volcanism

D) All of the above 

Answer: D) All of the above 

Explanation: Climate change can be attributed to natural internal processes, external forces, and persistent anthropogenic changes in the composition of the atmosphere or in land use​​.

Which greenhouse gas is primarily emitted from rice-paddy fields?

A) Carbon dioxide (CO2)

B) Methane (CH4) 

C) Nitrous oxide (N2O)

D) Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

Answer: B) Methane (CH4) 

Explanation: Methane is the main greenhouse gas emitted from rice-paddy fields. Although rice plants do not produce methane, they allow it to be transported to the atmosphere from the paddy soils​​.

What characterizes a meteorological drought?

A) Prolonged absence or marked deficiency of precipitation 

B) Depletion of surface water

C) Extended dry period in crop-root zone

D) Social and economic impacts

Answer: A) Prolonged absence or marked deficiency of precipitation 

Explanation: Meteorological drought is characterized by a prolonged absence or marked deficiency or poor distribution of precipitation over an area​​.

How is a heat wave defined in regions where the normal maximum temperature is more than 40°C?

A) Temperature exceeds 5°C above normal for 5 days

B) Temperature exceeds 3°C above normal for 5 days 

C) Temperature exceeds 3°C above normal for 3 days

D) Temperature exceeds 5°C above normal for 3 days

Answer: B) Temperature exceeds 3°C above normal for 5 days 

Explanation: In regions where the normal maximum temperature is more than 40°C, a heat wave is defined as when the day temperature exceeds 3°C above normal for 5 days​​.

Which climate event is defined by a minimum temperature remaining 5°C lower than normal for 3 days or more?

A) Frost

B) Heat Wave

C) Hailstorm

D) Cold Wave 

Answer: D) Cold Wave 

Explanation: A cold wave is defined as a condition where, in regions with a normal minimum temperature of 10°C or above, the minimum temperature remains 5°C lower than normal for 3 days or more​​.

What impact does increased CO2 have on photosynthesis in C4 plants compared to C3 plants?

A) Increases more in C4 plants

B) Decreases in both C3 and C4 plants

C) Increases more in C3 plants 

D) No impact in either type of plants

Answer: C) Increases more in C3 plants 

Explanation: Increased CO2 levels may increase photosynthesis, especially in C3 plants, as they do not have a CO2 concentrating mechanism like C4 plants do​​.

Which crop is mentioned as being resilient to high temperatures and drought due to its vertical tap root?

A) Wheat

B) Rice

C) Cotton 

D) Maize

Answer: C) Cotton 

Explanation: Cotton is resilient to high temperatures and drought due to its vertical tap root. However, it is highly sensitive to water availability, especially during flowering and boll formation​​.

What is a key impact of climate change on soils?

A) Increased soil fertility

B) Decreased susceptibility to erosion

C) Increased vulnerability to erosion 

D) Decrease in soil organic matter

Answer: C) Increased vulnerability to erosion 

Explanation: Climate change impacts on soils include increased vulnerability to erosion and changes in soil organic matter supply, temperature regimes, and hydrology​​.

What is a primary approach to mitigating climate change in agriculture?

A) Increasing use of synthetic pesticides

B) Expanding urban farming

C) Reducing greenhouse gas emissions 

D) Eliminating crop rotations

Answer: C) Reducing greenhouse gas emissions 

Explanation: A primary approach to mitigating climate change in agriculture includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing carbon sinks through various techniques such as using new technologies, making equipment more energy efficient, or changing management practices​​.

What is the role of biochar in climate resilient agriculture?

A) Decreasing soil fertility

B) Enhancing soil carbon sequestration 

C) Increasing greenhouse gas emissions

D) Reducing crop diversity

Answer: B) Enhancing soil carbon sequestration 

Explanation: Biochar, a byproduct of pyrolysis, enhances soil carbon sequestration and soil fertility when returned to the soil, offering environmental benefits related to climate change mitigation​​.

Notes on "Climate Resilient Agriculture":

Introduction:

• Climate change: Major environmental issue of the 21st century with long-term weather pattern changes.
• Influences: Natural (solar radiation, volcanism) and human activities (industrial revolution effects).
• IPCC 2007 findings: Increased frequency/intensity of extreme weather events over the last 50 years.

Greenhouse Gases and Global Warming:

• Causes: Fast-paced development, industrialization, and environmental destruction.
• Greenhouse gases: CO2, CH4, N2O; different lifetimes, radiative forcing, and atmospheric concentrations.
• Greenhouse effect: Traps heat, leading to global warming and regional climate changes.
• GHG sources: Solar, volcanic, and biospheric/industrial.
• Major anthropogenic CO2 sources: Biosphere, burning of fossil fuels, deforestation.
• Projected impacts by 2100: Temperature rise 1.4 to 5.8°C, decreased rainfall in sub-tropics, increased extreme events.

Climate Variability Including Extreme Events:

• Definition: Yearly fluctuation of climate above/below a long-term average.
• Climate extremes: Drought, untimely rainfall, floods, heat/cold waves, frost, hailstorms, cyclones.
• Impact: Affects crop area, performance, yield, and overall agricultural production.

Droughts:

• Types: Meteorological, hydrological, agricultural, socio-economic.
• India Meteorological Department (IMD) criteria: Rainfall deficit and drought classification.

Untimely Rainfall/High Intense Rainfall Events:

• Recent trends: Continuous high rainfall leading to crop losses, pest outbreaks, total crop failure.

Floods:

• Common in Indian river basins and coastal areas.
• Effects: Physical crop loss, land degradation, soil erosion.

Heat Wave:

• Definition: Exceeding normal temperatures for a duration in specific regions.
• Impacts: Affect growth, flowering, fruiting, and crop mortality.

Cold Wave:

• Definition: Below normal minimum temperatures for a duration in specific regions.
• Impacts: Affect growth, flowering, and ripening of crops.

Frost:

• Occurrence: Surface temperature falls below freezing.
• Impact: Affects plant growth and productivity.

Hailstorm:

• Definition: Weather condition where hail falls to the ground.

Cyclone:

• Origin: Tropical low pressure depression with oceanic temperature above 26°C.
• Impacts: Crop inundation, seawater intrusion.

Climate Change Effects on Crops:

• Direct effects: Plant growth, yield changes due to temperature, rainfall, CO2 levels.
• Indirect effects: Land use changes, water availability, soil transformations, pest infestations.

Effect of Climate Change on Photosynthesis, C3 and C4 Crops:

• Impact on photosynthesis: Varies with CO2 levels and temperature.
• C3 plants: More responsive to CO2 increase.
• C4 plants: Less responsive due to CO2 concentrating mechanism.
• Temperature effects: Significant on crop phenology, yield reduction in C3 crops with temperature increase.

Effect of Climate Change on Crop Production:

• Atmospheric CO2 increase: Promotes growth in C3 plants, affects crop duration and respiration rates.
• Temperature rise: Reduces yields in warmer regions, affects crop-pest equilibrium.
• Variable impacts: Different for each crop; e.g., cotton resilient to high temperatures but sensitive to water availability.

Climate Change Effects on Soils:

• Potential changes: Organic matter supply, temperature regimes, hydrology, evapotranspiration.
• Impacts: Soil moisture stress, workability, erosion, compaction, water holding capacity.

Climate Change Effects on Insect-pests:

• Increased temperature: Affects insect-pest populations, host plant interactions, and pest status changes.

Climate Change Effects on Diseases:

• Temperature and UV radiation changes: May reduce effectiveness of natural and synthetic pesticides.

Climate Change Effects on Weeds:

• Spread of tropical/subtropical weeds into temperate areas.
• Rainfall pattern changes: Alter water availability and weed shifts.

Climate Resilient Agriculture:

• Definition: Incorporation of adaptation, mitigation practices in agriculture.
• Goal: Increase system capacity to resist damage and recover from climate disturbances.

Adaptation:

• IPCC definition: Adjustments in response to climate stimuli.
• Types: Reactive/anticipatory, private/public, planned/autonomous.
• Adaptation in agriculture: Adjusts to minimize damage, promotes sustainable development.

Mitigation:

• Efforts to reduce/prevent greenhouse gas emissions.
• Strategies: New technologies, energy efficiency improvements, management practice changes.

Agro-Techniques for Adaptation to Climate Change:

• Crop Management Strategies: Tillage practices, crop and cultivar choices.
• Contingency crop planning: Alternate crop choices based on rainfall and soil moisture.
• Water Management Strategies: Harvesting rainwater, runoff, and improving irrigation efficiency.

Agro-Techniques to Mitigate Climate Change:

• Crop Management: Reducing GHG emissions through improved agronomic practices.
• Nutrient Management: Reducing nitrous oxide emissions with efficient management practices.
• Tillage/Residue Management: Enhancing soil carbon sequestration through reduced tillage.

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