Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: (a) Explain the properties and functions of enzymes in plants. (10…

Enzymes in Plants: Properties, Functions, and Agricultural Applications

(a) Enzymes: Properties and Functions Enzymes are biological catalysts, primarily proteins, that accelerate biochemical reactions in plants without being consumed. Their defining properties include high specificity, where an enzyme acts on a particular substrate or reaction type, and sensitivity to environmental factors like temperature and pH, which can denature their active sites. They are also reversible and require cofactors for optimal activity. Functionally, enzymes are central to plant metabolism. RuBisCO catalyzes carbon fixation in the Calvin cycle, driving photosynthesis. Cytochrome oxidase facilitates electron transport in respiration, releasing energy for growth. Nitrogenase, found in root nodules of legumes, fixes atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, a critical step for soil fertility. Furthermore, enzymes like IAA oxidase regulate hormone levels, controlling growth patterns. Understanding these mechanisms allows for targeted interventions in crop physiology and stress tolerance.

(b) Production of Seed Tubers from True Potato Seeds (TPS) The production of virus-free seed tubers from True Potato Seeds (TPS) under protected cultivation follows a structured protocol to ensure genetic purity and health. The process begins with the sowing of TPS in nursery trays or beds within a greenhouse or net house. This protected environment shields the delicate seedlings from pests and diseases, particularly viruses that compromise yield. Once the seedlings reach a robust stage, they are transplanted into larger pots or raised beds within the same protected structure. Under controlled conditions, these plants develop into minitubers. These minitubers are then harvested and can be used for further multiplication in the field or as certified seed tubers. This method, often supported by collaborations between institutions like CIP and CPRI, offers a significant advantage over conventional vegetative propagation by eliminating the accumulation of viral loads, thereby ensuring higher yields and better quality potatoes for farmers.

(c) Insect and Mite Pests of Brinjal Brinjal (Solanum melongena) faces pressure from various insect and mite pests. The Shoot and Fruit Borer (Leucinodes orbonalis) belongs to the class Insecta, order Lepidoptera, and family Pyralidae. It causes damage by boring into shoots and fruits, leading to wilting and rotting. The Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci), classified under Insecta, Hemiptera, and Aleyrodidae, feeds on sap and acts as a vector for various plant viruses, reducing plant vigor. Spider mites (Tetranychus spp.), belonging to Arachnida, Acari, and Tetranychidae, suck cell contents, causing stippling and leaf yellowing. Management strategies employ an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach. This includes the use of pheromone traps for monitoring and mass trapping of borers, the deployment of biocontrol agents like Trichogramma for eggs, and the careful application of acaricides for mites. While Bt brinjal offers genetic resistance to certain lepidopteran pests, its adoption is subject to regulatory and public debate. A balanced IPM strategy ensures sustainable control without excessive chemical reliance.

(d) Hunger and Malnutrition in India India continues to grapple with a complex nutritional landscape. According to NFHS-5 data, approximately 35.5% of children under five are stunted, and 32.1% are underweight, indicating chronic malnutrition. Simultaneously, there is a rising trend in obesity and lifestyle disorders, creating a "double burden" of malnutrition. To mitigate these issues, the government has launched several initiatives. POSHAN Abhiyaan (Prime Minister’s Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nourishment) focuses on convergent actions across sectors to reduce stunting and anemia. The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKAY) provides free food grains to eligible households, enhancing food security. The Annapurna scheme supports the elderly, while the distribution of fortified rice and the Saksham Anganwadi Kendra initiative aim to improve the nutritional quality of meals in ICDS centers. These measures collectively address both availability and accessibility of nutritious food, aiming to improve the overall health outcomes of the population.

(e) Technology in Public Distribution System (PDS) Technology is revolutionizing the efficiency and transparency of the Public Distribution System (PDS). The introduction of e-POS devices with biometric authentication ensures that only eligible beneficiaries receive their allotted rations, reducing leakage and ghost beneficiaries. Aadhaar seeding links beneficiary identities to unique IDs, preventing duplication and fraud. The One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) initiative allows portability, enabling migrants to access rations at any Fair Price Shop across India. GPS-enabled vehicles track the movement of food grains from warehouses to shops, ensuring timely delivery and minimizing pilferage. Furthermore, blockchain pilots in states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala are being explored to create an immutable record of grain transactions, enhancing accountability. These technological interventions streamline operations, reduce administrative costs, and ensure that food security benefits reach the intended poor and vulnerable sections of society more effectively.