Strategies for Enhancement in Food Production (VSAQs)
Botany-2 | 13. Strategies For Enhancement In Food Production – VSAQs:
Welcome to “VSAQs” in “Chapter 13: Strategies For Enhancement In Food Production”. This page covers the most important VSAQs from previous exams. Use these concise answers to strengthen your understanding and get ready to do well in your final exams.
VSAQ-1: What is meant by ‘Hidden Hunger’?
Hidden Hunger refers to a form of malnutrition where a person’s diet may provide enough calories but is deficient in essential micronutrients, such as vitamins and minerals. Unlike other forms of malnutrition, hidden hunger does not always show immediate or visible symptoms, making it less noticeable. This deficiency can have serious long-term effects on health, hindering proper growth, development, and overall well-being. The term “hidden” is used because these deficiencies are not immediately apparent, leading to a lack of awareness and often insufficient measures to address the issue.
VSAQ-2: Name two semi-dwarf varieties of rice developed in India.
Semi-dwarf rice varieties like Jaya and Ratna were developed in India and played a crucial role during the Green Revolution. These varieties were designed to be shorter in stature, which helped them support heavier grain loads without lodging (falling over). This characteristic led to significantly increased rice production, contributing greatly to food security within the country.
VSAQ-3: Give two examples of wheat varieties introduced in India, which are high-yielding and disease-resistant.
Two notable wheat varieties introduced in India that are both high-yielding and disease-resistant are Sonalika and Kalyan Sona. These varieties have been instrumental in improving wheat production and ensuring a stable food supply. Their development was a key factor in enhancing the resilience and productivity of Indian wheat crops.
VSAQ-4: Give two examples of fungi used in SCP production.
In the field of Single Cell Protein (SCP) production, fungi like Candida utilis (also known as Torula yeast) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (commonly known as Baker’s yeast) are widely used. These fungi are prized for their high protein content and can be grown on various organic materials, making them valuable sources of protein for both animal feed and other industrial applications.
VSAQ-5: Which two species of sugarcane were crossed for better yield?
To improve sugarcane yield, scientists crossed Saccharum barberi and Saccharum officinarum. This crossbreeding produced hybrid varieties that have better yield and enhanced characteristics. Such breeding techniques are crucial in developing more productive and resilient sugarcane varieties.
VSAQ-6: Define totipotency and explant.
Totipotency is the extraordinary ability of a single plant cell to grow into a whole plant, complete with all the specialized tissues and organs. This unique feature allows plant cells to regenerate an entire plant from just one cell.
An explant is a small portion of a plant, such as a leaf, stem, or root, that is taken and placed in a culture medium under controlled conditions. This medium supplies the nutrients and growth factors needed for the explant to grow into a new plant through processes like organogenesis or somatic embryogenesis. Explants are essential in plant tissue culture, helping to propagate and regenerate plants in vitro.
VSAQ-7: Define micropropagation and somaclones.
Micropropagation is a powerful biotechnological technique used to grow many genetically identical plants from just small pieces of plant tissue. Think of it like making multiple copies of a favorite recipe using just one original. In a lab setting, scientists take tiny bits of a plant and place them in a special growth medium. This medium provides all the nutrients the plant needs to grow. Over time, these small pieces develop into new plants that are exact copies of the original. This method is especially useful for quickly multiplying plants, like producing lots of the same type of fruit tree for an orchard.
Somaclones are plants that come from a process called tissue culture, where plant tissues are cultured in a lab to produce new plants. These plants are genetically identical to the original plant, much like cloning. They are valuable for breeding and trait propagation, as they ensure that specific desirable traits are passed on without relying on traditional seeds or cuttings.
VSAQ-8: What is meant by Germplasm collection?
Germplasm collection involves gathering and preserving genetic material from various plants or crops. This includes seeds, live plants, or plant tissues. Imagine a farmer collecting seeds from different types of fruit trees and storing them in a secure place. This practice helps keep a diverse genetic library of crops, which is crucial for future breeding and research. By preserving this genetic diversity, scientists can ensure that valuable traits are not lost and can be used to develop new crop varieties that are better suited to changing conditions.
VSAQ-9: What is meant by Biofortification?
Biofortification is the process of increasing the nutritional value of crops through breeding or genetic modification. Think of it as adding extra nutrients to your diet, but in the form of crops. The goal is to enhance the levels of important vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients in food. This method helps address hidden hunger, where people may get enough calories but not enough essential nutrients. By making crops more nutritious, biofortification helps improve public health and addresses deficiencies that can lead to health problems.
VSAQ-10: Which part of the plant is best suited for making virus-free plants and why?
To produce virus-free plants, the best parts to use are the apical and axillary meristems. These are regions at the tips of the plant’s growing shoots and branches. Why these parts? Because they are free from viruses and contain actively dividing cells that are less likely to carry any viral contamination. By using these areas, scientists can culture new plants that start off free from viruses, ensuring that the new plants are healthy and robust. This technique is crucial for maintaining the quality and productivity of crops.