Q8
(a) What do you mean by new generation plant growth regulators? Enlist the different new generation plant growth regulators and also discuss their role in mitigating abiotic stresses. (20 marks) (b) Elaborate the micronutrient deficiency in human beings. Comment on various strategies in combating protein-energy malnutrition with special reference to women and children. (20 marks) (c) Give an account on mycoplasmal diseases and physiological disorders of Potato. (10 marks)
हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें
(a) नई पीढ़ी वाले पादप वृद्धि नियामकों से आप क्या समझते हैं? विभिन्न नई पीढ़ी वाले पादप वृद्धि नियामकों को सूचीबद्ध कीजिए तथा अजैविक प्रतिबलों के शमन में इनकी भूमिका की भी विवेचना कीजिए। (20 अंक) (b) मनुष्यों में सूक्ष्म पोषक तत्वों की कमी की विस्तार से व्याख्या कीजिए। महिलाओं तथा बच्चों के विशेष संदर्भ में प्रोटीन-ऊर्जा कुपोषण से निपटने की विभिन्न रणनीतियों पर टिप्पणी कीजिए। (20 अंक) (c) आलू के माइकोप्लाज्मा से होने वाले रोगों तथा दैहिक (शारीरिक) विकारों का विवरण दीजिए। (10 अंक)
Directive word: Discuss
This question asks you to discuss. The directive word signals the depth of analysis expected, the structure of your answer, and the weight of evidence you must bring.
See our UPSC directive words guide for a full breakdown of how to respond to each command word.
How this answer will be evaluated
Approach
The directive 'discuss' for part (a) demands a comprehensive treatment with definition, enumeration, and elaboration of mechanisms. Allocate approximately 40% word/time to part (a) given its 20 marks, 35% to part (b) (20 marks with dual directives 'elaborate' and 'comment'), and 25% to part (c) (10 marks). Structure: brief introduction defining new-generation PGRs, systematic coverage of all three parts with clear sub-headings, and a concluding synthesis on integrated crop-nutrition-health linkages.
Key points expected
- Definition of new-generation PGRs distinguishing them from classical auxins/cytokinins; enlistment of brassinosteroids, jasmonates, salicylic acid, strigolactones, and peptide hormones with their biosynthetic origins
- Mechanisms of abiotic stress mitigation: brassinosteroids in drought/salinity tolerance, jasmonates in herbivory and osmotic stress, salicylic acid in heat/chilling stress, strigolactones in nutrient deficiency stress
- Micronutrient deficiencies in humans: iron-deficiency anemia, zinc deficiency, iodine deficiency disorders, vitamin A deficiency; their prevalence patterns in India (NFHS-5 data)
- Protein-energy malnutrition strategies: ICDS, mid-day meal scheme, POSHAN Abhiyaan, biofortification (Golden Rice, iron-rich pearl millet), supplementary nutrition for women and children
- Mycoplasmal diseases of potato: purple top wilt, aster yellows, witches' broom; vectors (leafhoppers, psyllids); physiological disorders: hollow heart, internal brown spot, blackheart, stem-end browning with causal factors
Evaluation rubric
| Dimension | Weight | Max marks | Excellent | Average | Poor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concept correctness | 25% | 12.5 | Precise scientific definitions: distinguishes new-generation PGRs as non-traditional hormones (brassinosteroids, jasmonates, SA, strigolactones) from classical five; correctly identifies micronutrient deficiencies (Fe, Zn, I, Se) with biochemical roles; accurately differentiates mycoplasma (wall-less prokaryotes) from viral diseases and physiological disorders (non-pathogenic, abiotic origin) | Basic definitions present but conflates some categories (e.g., lists gibberellins as new-generation); mentions anemia/PEM without specifying micronutrients; confuses mycoplasmal symptoms with viral symptoms | Fundamental errors: treats all PGRs as new-generation, confuses macronutrient with micronutrient deficiencies, attributes physiological disorders to pathogens |
| Quantitative reasoning | 15% | 7.5 | Cites specific data: NFHS-5 anemia prevalence (57% women, 67% children), ICDS coverage figures, potato yield losses due to purple top (up to 80%); mentions dosage ranges for PGR application (e.g., brassinolide 0.01-0.1 ppm) | General references to 'high prevalence' or 'significant losses' without specific figures; vague on application concentrations | No quantitative data; incorrect or fabricated statistics; confuses percentages with absolute numbers |
| Indian context examples | 20% | 10 | India-specific illustrations: ICAR-developed biofortified varieties (Dhanashakti pearl millet, Jai Kisan rice); state-wise PEM patterns (Madhya Pradesh, Bihar); potato cultivation zones and disease prevalence (Indo-Gangetic plains for purple top); field trials of PGRs at IARI, PAU Ludhiana | Generic Indian references without specificity; mentions ICDS/MDM without state-level or crop-level details | Entirely generic or foreign examples; no Indian policy, variety, or regional context |
| Diagram / process | 20% | 10 | Clear schematic of PGR signaling pathways (brassinosteroid-BRI1-BAK1 cascade), flowchart of micronutrient absorption-transport-utilization, labeled diagram of potato tuber showing physiological disorder locations (hollow heart at stolon end, blackheart in center); disease cycle of phytoplasma with vector transmission | Simple list format or basic block diagram without mechanistic detail; describes processes textually without visual representation | No diagrams or flowcharts; confusing or incorrect schematic representation |
| Policy / extension angle | 20% | 10 | Integrates policy frameworks: POSHAN Abhiyaan 2.0, National Nutrition Strategy, biofortification policy; extension linkages—KVK demonstrations of PGR use, farmer field schools for disease identification; suggests convergence of agriculture-health policies (food-based nutrition security, kitchen gardens) | Lists schemes without integration; mentions extension generically without institutional mechanisms | No policy or extension content; purely academic treatment without application relevance |
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