Propagation of Fruit Trees in India - MCQs

Propagation of Fruit Trees in India - MCQs

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1. What are the two main methods of propagating fruit trees?

   A. Hybridization and Mutation

   B. Sexual and Asexual

   C. Budding and Grafting

   D. Tissue Culture and Layering

   Correct Answer: B. Sexual and Asexual

2. What does sexual propagation of fruit trees involve?

   A. Use of vegetative parts such as stems and leaves

   B. Use of seeds produced by the fusion of male and female gametes

   C. Combination of desirable traits from different varieties

   D. Production of disease-free planting material

   Correct Answer: B. Use of seeds produced by the fusion of male and female gametes

3. Which of the following is NOT an advantage of asexual propagation?

   A. Genetic uniformity of the progeny

   B. Early and high yield of fruits

   C. Requires skilled labour and specialized equipment

   D. Combination of desirable traits from different varieties

   Correct Answer: C. Requires skilled labour and specialized equipment

4. What can be a disadvantage of asexual propagation?

   A. High genetic variability

   B. Loss of vigour and adaptability of the plants

   C. Increased genetic diversity

   D. Decreased susceptibility to pests and diseases

   Correct Answer: B. Loss of vigour and adaptability of the plants

5. Which factor does NOT affect the success of asexual propagation?

   A. Color of the propagule

   B. Season and environment of propagation

   C. Rootstock and scion compatibility

   D. Method and technique of propagation

   Correct Answer: A. Color of the propagule

6. How is mango typically propagated asexually in India?

   A. Air layering and cleft grafting

   B. T-budding and chip budding

   C. Inarching, veneer grafting, softwood grafting, and epicotyl grafting

   D. Suckers and sword suckers

   Correct Answer: C. Inarching, veneer grafting, softwood grafting, and epicotyl grafting

7. Which asexual propagation method is commonly used for Citrus in India?

   A. Hardwood cuttings and greenwood cuttings

   B. T-budding, patch budding, and chip budding

   C. Suckers and bits

   D. Inarching and veneer grafting

   Correct Answer: B. T-budding, patch budding, and chip budding

8. Guava trees in India are asexually propagated through which of the following methods?

   A. Suckers and tissue culture

   B. Hardwood cuttings and tissue culture

   C. Air layering, cleft grafting, and softwood cuttings

   D. T-budding and patch budding

   Correct Answer: C. Air layering, cleft grafting, and softwood cuttings

9. Which of the following is a method of asexual propagation not used for grapes in India?

   A. Tissue culture

   B. Hardwood cuttings

   C. Greenwood cuttings

   D. Suckers

   Correct Answer: D. Suckers

10. What is a common disadvantage of asexual and sexual propagation methods?

   A. Asexual propagation may cause genetic erosion and loss of biodiversity.

   B. Sexual propagation ensures the genetic uniformity of the progeny.

   C. Asexual propagation does not require skilled labour.

   D. Sexual propagation allows for early and high yield of fruits.

   Correct Answer: A. Asexual propagation may cause genetic erosion and loss of biodiversity.

***

Propagation of Fruit Trees in India -NOTES

Propagation of Fruit Trees in India-NOTES

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Propagation of Fruit Trees in India:

- Methods of Propagation:

    - Fruit trees can be propagated by sexual or asexual methods.

    - Sexual propagation involves the use of seeds that are produced by the fusion of male and female gametes.

    - Asexual propagation involves the use of vegetative parts such as stems, roots, leaves, buds, etc. that are capable of developing into new plants.

    - Some of the common asexual methods are cuttings, layering, grafting, budding, tissue culture, etc.

- Advantages and Disadvantages of Asexual Propagation:

    - Asexual propagation has some advantages over sexual propagation, such as:

        - It ensures the genetic uniformity and true-to-type nature of the progeny.

        - It enables the production of disease-free and virus-indexed planting material.

        - It allows the combination of desirable traits from different varieties or species.

        - It facilitates the early and high yield of fruits.

    - Asexual propagation also has some disadvantages, such as:

        - It requires skilled labour and specialized equipment.

        - It may result in the loss of vigour and adaptability of the plants.

        - It may increase the susceptibility of the plants to pests and diseases.

        - It may cause genetic erosion and loss of biodiversity.

- Factors Affecting the Success of Asexual Propagation:

    - The success of asexual propagation depends on various factors, such as:

        - The type and quality of the propagule.

        - The season and environment of propagation.

        - The rootstock and scion compatibility.

        - The method and technique of propagation.

        - The aftercare and management of the propagules.

- Examples of Asexual Propagation of Fruit Trees in India:

    - Some of the examples of asexual propagation of fruit trees in India are:

        - Mango is propagated by inarching, veneer grafting, softwood grafting, and epicotyl grafting.

        - Citrus is propagated by T-budding, patch budding, and chip budding.

        - Guava is propagated by air layering, cleft grafting, and softwood cuttings.

        - Banana is propagated by suckers, sword suckers, bits, and tissue culture.

        - Grapes is propagated by hardwood cuttings, greenwood cuttings, and tissue culture.

MCQs on preparation of jam, jelly, pickle, and murabba in India

MCQs on preparation of jam, jelly, pickle, and murabba in India:

1. **What is the minimum total solid content required in jam as per the specifications?**

   - A) 45%

   - B) 55%

   - C) 65%

   - D) 68%

   - **Correct Answer: D) 68%**

2. **Which of the following fruits is not commonly used for making jam?**

   - A) Banana

   - B) Carrot

   - C) Mango

   - D) Papaya

   - **Correct Answer: B) Carrot**

3. **What is the FPO specification for the total soluble solids (TSS) in jam?**

   - A) 65.5%

   - B) 68.5%

   - C) 70%

   - D) 72%

   - **Correct Answer: B) 68.5%**

4. **Jelly is characterized by its transparency and should contain what percentage of total solids?**

   - A) 60%

   - B) 65%

   - C) 68%

   - D) 70%

   - **Correct Answer: B) 65%**

5. **Which type of acid is specifically mentioned in the context of jam preparation?**

   - A) Hydrochloric acid

   - B) Sulfuric acid

   - C) Citric acid

   - D) Acetic acid

   - **Correct Answer: C) Citric acid**

6. **Pickle can be preserved using all of the following except:**

   - A) Salt

   - B) Oil

   - C) Water

   - D) Vinegar

   - **Correct Answer: C) Water**

7. **What is the required acidity range for jam?**

   - A) 0.3-0.4%

   - B) 0.5-0.6%

   - C) 0.7-0.8%

   - D) 0.9-1%

   - **Correct Answer: B) 0.5-0.6%**

8. **Murabba is primarily prepared using which of the following methods?**

   - A) Fermentation

   - B) Dry coating with sugar

   - C) Deep frying

   - D) Smoking

   - **Correct Answer: B) Dry coating with sugar**

9. **What percentage of fruit or vegetable pieces does the FPO specification require in pickle?**

   - A) 10%

   - B) 20%

   - C) 25%

   - D) 30%

   - **Correct Answer: C) 25%**

10. **Which of the following is not a step in the preparation of murabba?**

    - A) Fermentation

    - B) Addition of sugar and spices

    - C) Cooking

    - D) Peeling and grating or slicing

    - **Correct Answer: A) Fermentation**

***

Preparation of Jam, jelly, pickle, murabba in India

# Preparation of Jam, jelly, pickle, murabba in India

## Jam

- Jam is a product made by boiling fruit pulp with sufficient quantity of sugar to a reasonably thick consistency, firm enough to hold the fruit tissues in position.

- Jam contains 0.5-0.6 per cent acidity and 68 per cent total solids.

- Jam can be prepared from one kind of fruit or from two or more kinds. Apple, sapota, papaya, plums, mango, grapes, jack, pineapple, banana, guava, and pears are some of the fruits used for the preparation of jam.

- The FPO specification of jam is 68.5% TSS, 45% of fruit pulp, and 0.5-0.6% of acid (citric acid) per 100 gm of the prepared product.

- The steps involved in the preparation of jam are: selection and preparation of fruit, addition of sugar and acid, cooking, judging of end point by sheet test, filling hot into sterilized bottles, cooling, waxing, capping, and storage.

## Jelly

- Jelly is a semi-solid product prepared by boiling a clear, strained solution of pectin-containing fruit extract, free from pulp, after the addition of sugar and acid.

- Jelly should be transparent, well set but not too stiff, and should have the original flavour of the fruit. It should be of attractive colour and keep its shape when removed from the mould.

- Jelly contains 0.5-0.75 per cent acidity and 65 per cent total solids.

- Jelly can be prepared from fruits that are rich in pectin, such as guava, sour apple, plum, karonda, wood apple, papaya, and jackfruit.

- The FPO specification for jelly is the final product should have 65% solids, 45% fruit extract, and 0.5-0.75% acid.

- The steps involved in the preparation of jelly are: selection and preparation of fruit, extraction of juice, straining of juice, addition of sugar and acid, boiling, testing for gel formation, filling hot into sterilized jars, cooling, sealing, and storage.

## Pickle

- Pickle is a product prepared by preserving fruits or vegetables in an edible anti-microbial liquid or dry powder.

- Pickle can be classified into four types based on the preserving agent: salt, oil, vinegar, and sugar.

- Pickle can be prepared from various fruits and vegetables, such as mango, lime, lemon, amla, carrot, cauliflower, radish, turnip, cucumber, onion, garlic, ginger, chilli, etc.

- The FPO specification for pickle is the final product should have 25% of fruit or vegetable pieces, 15% of brine or oil, 5% of spices and condiments, and 4.5% of acidity.

- The steps involved in the preparation of pickle are: selection and preparation of fruit or vegetable, curing, washing, drying, addition of spices and condiments, filling into containers, addition of brine or oil, pasteurization, cooling, sealing, and storage.

## Murabba

- Murabba is a sweet preserve made with berries or fruits, spices, and sugar.

- Murabba can also be categorized under candied fruits and is a popular way of preservation in the Middle East, Central Asia, South Asia, and South Caucasus.

- Murabba can be prepared both in a dry and wet way. The dry method involves coating the fruit pieces with sugar and drying them in the sun. The wet method involves cooking the fruit pieces in sugar syrup and adding spices.

- Murabba can be prepared from various fruits, such as mango, amla, apple, plum, apricot, quince, etc.

- Murabba is believed to possess medicinal properties and can be used as a folk and traditional medicine.

- The steps involved in the preparation of murabba are: selection and preparation of fruit, peeling and grating or slicing, addition of sugar and spices, cooking, testing for doneness, filling hot into sterilized jars, cooling, sealing, and storage.

MCQs on Orchard Layout in Horticulture

What is the main purpose of laying out an orchard?

A) To provide maximum shade for the trees.

B) To create a visually appealing design.

C) To maximize the number of trees per hectare while allowing for proper growth and cultural practices. #

D) To minimize the risk of wind damage to the trees.

Which of the following is NOT a type of vertical row planting pattern?

A) Square system #

B) Hexagonal system

C) Rectangular system

D) Cluster system

What is the advantage of using a square planting system?

A) It is the most efficient use of space.

B) It allows for easy intercropping and cultivation in two directions. #

C) It is more resistant to wind damage.

D) It is the easiest planting system to lay out.

What is the disadvantage of using a rectangular planting system?

A) It is more difficult to lay out than a square system.

B) It does not allow for equal distribution of space per tree. #

C) It is less resistant to wind damage.

D) It is not suitable for intercropping.

What is the advantage of using a cluster planting system?

A) It is the most efficient use of space.

B) It allows for easy cultural operations around each cluster. #

C) It is more resistant to wind damage.

D) It is the easiest planting system to lay out.

What is the main difference between a vertical row planting pattern and an alternate row planting pattern?

A) The trees in alternate rows are planted closer together.

B) The trees in alternate rows are planted further apart. #

C) The trees in alternate rows are planted at a different angle.

D) There is no difference in the spacing or arrangement of the trees.

What is the name of the planting pattern in which six trees form a hexagon with a seventh tree in the center?

A) Square system

B) Rectangular system

C) Cluster system

D) Hexagonal system #

Package of practices of major fruits (PAPAYA, GRAPE, LITCHI, SAPOTA) in india

###**Package of practices of major fruits in India. Part 2**

**Papaya:**

- Papaya is a tropical fruit crop that can be grown in a wide range of soils and climatic conditions.

- The recommended varieties of papaya for cultivation in India are Pusa Nanha, Pusa Majesty, Pusa Delicious, Coorg Honey Dew, Co-1, Co-2, Co-3, Co-4, Co-5, Co-6, Co-7, Surya, Red Lady, etc.

- Papaya is propagated by seeds, which are extracted from fully ripe fruits and treated with 0.2% mercuric chloride solution for 5 minutes to prevent fungal diseases.

- Papaya plants are planted at a spacing of 1.8 x 1.8 m or 2 x 2 m in pits of 60 x 60 x 60 cm size, filled with a mixture of topsoil, farmyard manure and neem cake.

- Papaya requires regular irrigation, especially during summer and dry periods. Drip irrigation is the most efficient method of water application for papaya.

- Papaya is fertilized with 250 g of nitrogen, 125 g of phosphorus and 250 g of potassium per plant per year, applied in four equal splits at quarterly intervals.

- Papaya is prone to several pests and diseases, such as papaya ring spot virus, papaya mosaic virus, anthracnose, powdery mildew, fruit fly, mealy bug, etc. Integrated pest and disease management practices, such as use of resistant varieties, roguing, sanitation, pruning, spraying, trapping, etc. are recommended for papaya.

- Papaya fruits are harvested when they attain one-fourth to one-third yellow colour on the surface. The fruits are graded according to size and quality and packed in corrugated fibre board boxes for marketing.

**Grape:**

- Grape is a sub-tropical fruit crop that can be grown in a variety of soils, but well-drained sandy loam to clay loam soils with pH 6.5 to 8.0 are ideal.

- The major varieties of grape grown in India are Thompson Seedless, Anab-e-Shahi, Bangalore Blue, Sharad Seedless, Flame Seedless, Perlette, Beauty Seedless, etc.³⁴

- Grape is propagated by hardwood cuttings, which are prepared from one-year-old canes and treated with rooting hormones, such as IBA or NAA³.

- Grape plants are planted at a spacing of 3 x 2 m or 3 x 3 m in pits of 60 x 60 x 60 cm size, filled with a mixture of topsoil, farmyard manure and superphosphate³.

- Grape requires frequent and light irrigation, especially during the initial stages of growth and development. Drip irrigation is the most suitable method of water application for grape³.

- Grape is fertilized with 500 g of nitrogen, 250 g of phosphorus and 750 g of potassium per plant per year, applied in three to four splits at different stages of growth³.

- Grape is susceptible to several pests and diseases, such as downy mildew, powdery mildew, anthracnose, botrytis rot, leaf hopper, thrips, mealy bug, etc. Integrated pest and disease management practices, such as use of resistant varieties, pruning, training, canopy management, spraying, etc. are recommended for grape³⁴.

- Grape fruits are harvested when they attain the desired size, colour and sugar content. The fruits are graded according to quality standards and packed in plastic crates or cardboard boxes for marketing³.

**Litchi:**

- Litchi is a subtropical fruit crop that can be grown in a range of soils, but well-drained loamy soils with pH 5.0 to 7.5 are preferred.

- The important varieties of litchi grown in India are Dehradun, Shahi, China, Rose Scented, Calcuttia, Early Large Red, etc.

- Litchi is propagated by air layering, which is done on one-year-old shoots during June-July.

- Litchi plants are planted at a spacing of 10 x 10 m or 12 x 12 m in pits of 1 x 1 x 1 m size, filled with a mixture of topsoil, farmyard manure and bone meal.

- Litchi requires adequate irrigation, especially during flowering and fruit development. Sprinkler or drip irrigation is recommended for litchi.

- Litchi is fertilized with 500 g of nitrogen, 250 g of phosphorus and 500 g of potassium per plant per year, applied in two splits, one after harvesting and another before flowering.

- Litchi is affected by several pests and diseases, such as litchi mite, litchi bug, fruit borer, bark eating caterpillar, anthracnose, leaf blight, fruit rot, etc. Integrated pest and disease management practices, such as use of resistant varieties, pruning, sanitation, spraying, etc. are recommended for litchi .

- Litchi fruits are harvested when they attain full size, colour and flavour. The fruits are graded according to size and quality and packed in bamboo baskets or plastic crates for marketing.

**Sapota:**

- Sapota is a tropical fruit crop that can be grown in a wide range of soils, but well-drained sandy loam to clay loam soils with pH 6.0 to 8.0 are suitable.

- The popular varieties of sapota grown in India are Cricket Ball, Kalipatti, Pala, Kirtibarti, Dwarapudi, PKM-1, PKM-2, PKM-3, etc.

- Sapota is propagated by patch budding or shield budding, which are done on seedlings raised from seeds of superior varieties.

- Sapota plants are planted at a spacing of 8 x 8 m or 10 x 10 m in pits of 1 x 1 x 1 m size, filled with a mixture of topsoil, farmyard manure and neem cake.

- Sapota requires moderate irrigation, especially during summer and dry periods. Basin or drip irrigation is advisable for sapota.

- Sapota is fertilized with 500 g of nitrogen, 250 g of phosphorus and 500 g of potassium per plant per year, applied in two splits, one before flowering and another after harvesting.

- Sapota is attacked by several pests and diseases, such as leaf webber, leaf miner, stem borer, fruit fly, scab, anthracnose, die back, etc. Integrated pest and disease management practices, such as use of resistant varieties, pruning, sanitation, spraying, etc. are recommended for sapota .

- Sapota fruits are harvested when they show signs of maturity, such as change in colour, softening of flesh and detachment from the pedicel. The fruits are graded according to size and quality and packed in wooden boxes or plastic crates for marketing.

Notes on Package of practices of major vegetable crops (Potato, Tomato, Onion, Brinjal) in india

Notes on Package of practices of major vegetable crops (Potato, Tomato, Onion, Brinjal) in india

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Potato (Aloo):

• Potato is the most important vegetable crop in India, accounting for about 27% of the total vegetable production.
• Potato is a cool season crop and requires a temperature range of 15-20°C for optimum growth and yield.
• Potato is propagated by tubers, which are planted at a depth of 10-15 cm and a spacing of 45-60 cm between rows and 20-25 cm between plants.
• Potato requires a well-drained, sandy loam to clay loam soil with a pH of 5.5-6.5.
• Potato is susceptible to various pests and diseases, such as aphids, cutworms, potato tuber moth, late blight, early blight, black scurf, etc.
• Potato is harvested when the foliage starts to dry and the tubers attain the desired size and maturity.
• Potato is a rich source of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Tomato (Tamatar):

• Tomato is the second most important vegetable crop in India, accounting for about 12% of the total vegetable production1.
• Tomato is a warm season crop and requires a temperature range of 20-30°C for optimum growth and yield.
• Tomato is propagated by seeds, which are sown in nursery beds and transplanted to the main field after 4-6 weeks.
• Tomato requires a well-drained, fertile, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0.
• Tomato is susceptible to various pests and diseases, such as whitefly, thrips, fruit borer, leaf miner, bacterial wilt, mosaic virus, leaf curl, etc.
• Tomato is harvested when the fruits attain the desired colour and ripeness, depending on the market preference.
• Tomato is a rich source of lycopene, a potent antioxidant that has anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties.

Onion (Piaz):

• Onion is the third most important vegetable crop in India, accounting for about 11% of the total vegetable production.
• Onion is a biennial crop that is grown as an annual crop and requires a temperature range of 13-25°C for optimum growth and yield.
• Onion is propagated by seeds or bulbs, which are sown or planted at a depth of 2-3 cm and a spacing of 30-45 cm between rows and 10-15 cm between plants.
• Onion requires a well-drained, sandy loam to clay loam soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0.
• Onion is susceptible to various pests and diseases, such as onion thrips, onion maggot, onion fly, purple blotch, stemphylium blight, basal rot, etc.
• Onion is harvested when the tops fall over and the bulbs attain the desired size and dryness.
• Onion is a rich source of flavonoids, sulphur compounds, vitamin C and dietary fibre that have anti-microbial, anti-diabetic and anti-cholesterol effects.

Brinjal (Baingan):

• Brinjal is the fourth most important vegetable crop in India, accounting for about 8% of the total vegetable production.
• Brinjal is a warm season crop and requires a temperature range of 24-30°C for optimum growth and yield.
• Brinjal is propagated by seeds, which are sown in nursery beds and transplanted to the main field after 6-8 weeks.
• Brinjal requires a well-drained, fertile, loamy soil with a pH of 6.5-7.5.
• Brinjal is susceptible to various pests and diseases, such as shoot and fruit borer, aphids, jassids, leaf hopper, wilt, blight, anthracnose, etc.
• Brinjal is harvested when the fruits attain the desired size, shape and colour, depending on the variety and market preference.
• Brinjal is a rich source of anthocyanins, phenolic acids, alkaloids and saponins that have anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.

***

Syllabus for the ICAR SRF-NET Exam in Plant Biotechnology

Syllabus for the ICAR SRF-NET Exam in Plant Biotechnology

Agricultural Biotechnology/Biotechnology/Molecular Biology & Biotechnology

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Unit 1: Cell Structure and Function

• Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell architecture
• Cell wall, plasma membrane
• Structure and function of cell organelles: Nucleus, vacuoles, mitochondria, plastids, Golgi apparatus, ER, lysosomes, peroxisomes, glyoxisomes
• Cell cycle - Regulation of cell cycle
• Cell division, growth, and differentiation
• Protein secretion and targeting
• Transport across cell membrane
• Cell signaling
• Developmental biology of plants
• Programmed cell death (apoptosis)
• Cell renewal and cancer
• Stem cell applications

Unit 2: Biomolecules and Metabolism

• Structure and function of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids
• Synthesis of carbohydrates
• Glycolysis
• HMP
• Citric acid cycle and metabolic regulation
• Oxidative phosphorylation and substrate-level phosphorylation
• Vitamins, plant and animal hormones
• Functional molecules, antioxidants, nutrient precursors
• HSPs (Heat Shock Proteins)
• Anti-viral compounds

Unit 3: Enzymology

• Enzymes - structure, conformation, classification
• Assay, isolation, purification, and characterization of enzymes
• Catalytic specificity
• Mechanism of action
• Active site
• Regulation of enzyme activity
• Multienzyme complexes
• Immobilized enzymes and protein engineering
• Application of immobilized enzymes

Unit 4: Molecular Genetics

• Concept of a gene
• Prokaryotes as a genetic system
• Prokaryotic and eukaryotic chromosomes
• Methods of gene isolation and identification
• Split genes, overlapping genes, and pseudogenes
• Organization of prokaryotic and eukaryotic genes and genomes, including operon, exon, intron, enhancer, promoter sequences, and other regulatory elements
• Mutation - spontaneous, induced, and site-directed
• Recombination in bacteria, fungi, and viruses
• Transformation, transduction, conjugation
• Transposable elements and transposition

Unit 5: Gene Expression

• Expression of genetic information
• Operon concept
• Mechanism of transcription in prokaryotes and eukaryotes
• Transcription unit
• Regulatory sequences and enhancers
• Activators and repressors
• Co-activators and co-repressors in prokaryotes and eukaryotes
• Inducible genes and promoters
• Transcription factors
• Post-transcriptional modification and protein transport
• DNA-protein interaction
• Genetic code
• Mechanism of translation and its control
• Post-translational modifications
• Epigenetic control of gene expression
• Regulatory RNA in gene regulation - Small RNAs, RNA interference, and its applications

Unit 6: Molecular Biology Techniques

• Isolation and purification of nucleic acids
• Nucleic acids hybridization: Southern, northern, and western blotting hybridization
• Immune response, monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies, and ELISA
• DNA sequencing
• Construction and screening of genomic and cDNA libraries
• Gel electrophoretic techniques
• Spectroscopy
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), real-time PCR, RT-PCR
• Ultracentrifugation, chromatography, FISH, RIA, etc.
• Next-generation genome sequencing techniques
• Basic bioinformatics
• Microarray, etc.
• Proteomics, 2D, and protein sequencing
• Metabolomics

Unit 7: Gene Cloning

• DNA manipulative and modifying enzymes - restriction enzymes and their uses
• Salient features and uses of most commonly used vectors: plasmids, bacteriophages, phagemids, cosmids, BACs, PACs, and YACs, binary vectors, expression vectors
• Gateway cloning vectors
• Gene cloning and sub-cloning strategies
• Chromosome walking
• Genetic transformation
• Basis of animal cloning
• Gene pyramiding and gene fusion
• Ribozyme technology
• Biological risk assessment and IPR (Intellectual Property Rights)

Unit 8: Molecular Biology

• Genome complexity - C value and C-value paradox; DNA re-association kinetics
• Analysis of repetitive sequences
• Molecular events in DNA replication, transcription, and translation
• RNA processing and post-transcriptional modifications
• Ribosome structure and function
• Protein biosynthesis in prokaryotes and eukaryotes
• Post-translational modification
• Gene regulation
• DNA damage - types and repair mechanisms
• Bioprospecting
• Non-coding RNA

Unit 9: Plant Molecular Biology

• Photoregulation and phytochrome regulation of nuclear and chloroplastic gene expression
• Molecular mechanism of nitrogen fixation
• Advances in conversion of C3 to C4 pathway
• Molecular biology of various stresses: abiotic stresses like drought, salt, heavy metals, and temperature; biotic stresses like bacterial, fungal, and viral diseases
• Signal transduction and its molecular basis
• Molecular mechanism of plant hormone action
• Hormone regulatory pathways
• Mitochondrial control of fertility
• Structure, organization, and regulation of nuclear genes concerning storage proteins and starch synthesis
• Crop genome sequencing projects

Unit 10: Tissue Culture

• Basic techniques in cell culture and somatic cell genetics
• Clonal propagation
• Concept of cellular totipotency
• Androgenesis and gynogenesis
• Somaclonal and gametoclonal variations
• Hybrid embryo culture and embryo rescue
• Somatic hybridization and cybridization
• Application of tissue culture in crop improvement
• Secondary metabolite production
• In vitro mutagenesis
• Cryopreservation and plant tissue culture repository
• Synthetic seeds
• Virus indexing
• Unit 11: Plant Genetic Engineering
• Isolation of genes of economic importance
• Gene constructs for tissue-specific expression
• Different methods of gene transfer to plants: direct and vector-mediated
• Molecular analysis of transformants
• RNAi technology
• Cisgenesis
• Molecular pharming, bioremediation
• GM detection methods
• Resistance management strategies for target traits
• Potential applications of plant genetic engineering for crop improvement
• Insect-pest resistance (insect, viral, fungal, and bacterial disease resistance)
• Abiotic stress resistance
• Herbicide resistance
• Storage protein quality
• Increasing shelf-life
• Oil quality
• Biofortification
• Genetic engineering for pollination control
• Induction of male sterility in plants
• Current status of transgenics, biosafety norms, and controlled field trials and release of transgenics (GMOs)
• IPR
• Genome editing techniques

Unit 12: Molecular Markers and Genomics

• DNA molecular markers: Principles, types, and applications
• Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP)
• Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA sequences (RAPD)
• Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP)
• Simple sequence repeats (SSR)
• Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)
• DaRT, SRAP, TRAP markers
• Structural and functional genomics
• Gene mapping
• Genome mapping: GWAS and Genomic selection
• Gene tagging and comparative genomics and application of genomics
• TILLING and ECOTILLING applications
• Development of mapping population and types of mapping populations: RILs, NILs, F2, BILs, DH, MAGIC, Mutant populations
• Linkage mapping
• Association mapping
• Molecular mapping of complex traits
• Marker Assisted Selection (MAS)
• Other applications of markers: MABC, MARS, and Genomic Selection
• DNA fingerprinting and barcoding
• Phylogeography, conservation genetics
• DNA chips and their use in transcriptome analysis
• Mutants and RNAi in functional genomics
• Proteomics, Metabolomics, and ionomics

***

Syllabus for the ICAR JRF Exam in Plant Biotechnology

Syllabus for the ICAR JRF Exam in Plant Biotechnology

Code 01: Major Subject Group - Plant Biotechnology 

(Sub-Subjects: 1.1: Plant Biochemistry/Biochemistry 1.2: Plant Biotechnology & Molecular Biology/Biotechnology 1.3: Plant/Crop Physiology)

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Unit I:

• Importance of agriculture in national economy
• Basic principles of crop production
• Cultivation of rice, wheat, chickpea, pigeon-pea, sugarcane, groundnut, tomato, and mango
• Major soils of India
• Role of NPK and their deficiency symptoms
• General structure and function of cell organelles
• Mitosis and meiosis
• Mendelian genetics
• Elementary knowledge of growth, development, photosynthesis, respiration, and transpiration
• Elements of economic botany
• General structure and function of carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids, enzymes, and vitamins
• Major pests and diseases of rice, wheat, cotton, chickpea, sugarcane, and their management
• Organic farming
• Bio-fertilizers
• Bio-pesticides
• Recombinant DNA technology
• Transgenic crops
• Important rural development programmes in India
• Organizational set up of agricultural research, education, and extension in India
• Elements of statistics

Unit II:

• Importance of biochemistry in agriculture
• Acid-base concept and buffers
• pH
• Classification, structure, and metabolic functions of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins
• Structure and function of nucleic acids
• Enzymes: structure, nomenclature, mechanism of action
• Vitamins and minerals as coenzymes and cofactors
• Metabolic pathways: glycolysis, TCA cycle, fatty acid oxidation, triglyceride biosynthesis
• Electron transport chain
• ATP formation
• Photosynthesis: C-3, C-4, and CAM pathways
• Nitrate assimilation
• Biological nitrogen fixation
• Colorimetric and chromatographic techniques

Unit III:

• Characteristics of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms
• Differences between fungi, bacteria, mycoplasms, and viruses
• Physical and chemical basis of heredity
• Chromosome structure
• DNA replication, transcription, and translation
• Genetic code
• Operon concept
• Genetic engineering
• Restriction enzymes
• Vectors
• Gene cloning
• Gene transfer
• Plant cell and tissue culture
• Micro-propagation
• Somaclonal variation
• Transformation
• Recombination
• Heterosis
• General application of biotechnology
• Molecular and immunological techniques
• Concept of bioinformatics, genomics, and proteomics

Unit IV: Plant Physiology/Crop Physiology:

• Plant physiology – importance in agriculture
• Seed germination, viability, and vigor
• Photosynthesis – significance of C-3, C-4, and CAM pathways
• Photorespiration and its implications
• Translocation of assimilates
• Dry matter partitioning
• Harvest index of crops
• Growth and development
• Growth analysis
• Crop-water relationship
• Plant nutrients and their functions
• Phytohormones and their physiological role
• Photo-periodism, vernalization
• Pollination/fertilization in flowering plants
• Post-harvest physiology and its significance

***

Notes on Cultivation of Fruit Crops in India Part 1

### Mango Cultivation in India:

- **Varieties:**

  - Alphonso

  - Kesar

  - Dasheri

  - Langra

- **Climate Requirements:**

  - Thrives in tropical and subtropical climates

  - Temperature range: 24-30°C

- **Soil Type:**

  - Well-drained loamy soil

  - pH range: 5.5-7.5

- **Planting Season:**

  - June to July

- **Irrigation:**

  - Regular watering during dry periods

  - Reduced watering during flowering

- **Pruning:**

  - Remove dead or diseased branches

### Banana Cultivation in India:

- **Varieties:**

  - Cavendish

  - Robusta

  - Poovan

  - Nendran

- **Climate Requirements:**

  - Grows well in tropical climates

  - Optimal temperature: 27-30°C

- **Soil Type:**

  - Well-drained soil with organic matter

  - pH range: 6-7

- **Planting Season:**

  - Throughout the year

- **Irrigation:**

  - Regular watering, especially during fruiting

- **Harvesting:**

  - Harvest when fruits are mature but still green

### Guava Cultivation in India:

- **Varieties:**

  - Allahabad Safeda

  - Lalit

  - Lucknow 49

  - Sardar

- **Climate Requirements:**

  - Adaptable to a wide range of climates

  - Thrives in subtropical regions

- **Soil Type:**

  - Well-drained loamy soil

  - pH range: 4.5-7

- **Planting Season:**

  - June to August

- **Irrigation:**

  - Regular watering during dry spells

- **Pest Management:**

  - Control of fruit fly and scale insects