UPSC Plant Breeding Previous Year Questions (PYQs) – Year Wise & Topic Wise

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Plant Breeding

History of plant breeding

  1. Describe the history of plant breeding in india. Write the objectives of plant breeding and methods
    for creation of variability for crop improvement. (20M CSE 2023)

Modes of reproduction, selfing and crossing techniques

  1. What do you understand by graft incompatibility? in plants with suitable examples. (10M CSE 2023)
  2. Explain inbreeding depression and its effects in crops. Also explain the degrees of inbreeding depression. (10M 150W CSE 2023)
  3. Describe self-pollination, cross pollination and often pollination. Discuss different mechanism for facilitating self-pollination and cross pollination. (20M, CSE 2021)
  4. Write short notes on the following: (10M, 150W, CSE 2021)
    1. Asexual Reproduction
    2. Progeny Test
    3. Seed Bank
    4. Genetically Modified Crop
  5. Explain the mechanisms which promote cross-pollination. (8M, IFoS 2021)
  6. Write the various methods of plant breeding and describe the back-cross method with its importance in development of crop varieties. (20M, CSE 2019)
  7. Synchrony in flowering and planting ratio of parents. (15M, IFoS-2017)
  8. Distinguish between Gametogenesis and Sporogenesis. (10M, IFoS-2016)
  9. Distinguish between interspecific and intergeneric hybrids. (10M, IFoS-2016)
  10. What are the genetic consequences of self- and cross-pollination? (12.5M, CSE 2016)
  11. Gametogenesis and Sporogenesis. (10M, IFoS-2014)
  12. What do you understand by asexual method of propagation? Discuss briefly the advantages and disadvantages of asexual propagation. (8M, 150W, IFoS-2014)
  13. Discuss the relevance of mode of reproduction in plant breeding. (12.5M, CSE 2014)
  14. Discuss Cross-pollinated species show more inbreeding depression then self-pollinated species. (12.5M, 200W, CSE 2013)
  15. What is detasselling? How it helps in hybrid breeding? (15M, 200W, CSE 2012)
  16. What is hybridization? Briefly discuss the techniques in hybridization. (15M, 150W, CSE 2011)
  17. Define dichogamy. Describe in brief protogyny and protoandry. (20M, 200W, CSE 2009)
  18. Write briefly the methods of breeding in self-pollinated crop. (200W, 20M, CSE 2008)
  19. Discuss about Back Cross and Test Cross (20M, CSE 2007)
  20. Describe the breeding procedures which-are used for producing new varieties of self-pollinated crops. (20M, CSE 2003)
  21. Short notes on Pollination and Fertilization (20M, CSE 2003)
  22. Define dichogamy. Describe in brief protogyny and protandry. (20M, 200W, CSE 2002)
  23. Describe in brief emasculation and discuss the various methods of emasculation. (20M, CSE 2002)
  24. What is inbreeding? Discuss in brief the effects of inbreeding. (20M, CSE 2002)
  25. Define hybridization. Describe in-brief the various types of hybridization. (20M, 200W, CSE 2002)
  26. Explain Role of Apomixis in horticulture. (20M, CSE 2001)
  27. Short notes on Apomixis (20M, CSE 1999)
  28. What is hybridisation? Briefly describe various steps involved in crop improvement by hybridisation. (20M, 200W, CSE 1996)
  29. Explain in brief Chimera, Xenia and Metaxenia in plants. (20M, 200W, CSE 1998)
  30. Self-pollination Versus Cross pollination (CSE 1992)
  31. Name the dwarfing gene ‘which is responsible for the evolution of’ New Plant Types of wheat. What were the pioneer scientists who developed dwarf hybrid wheats by using these ‘dwarfing genes’ (200W, CSE 1992)
  32. Give the Genetical and Physiological characteristics of any two important dwarf wheat? (200W, CSE 1992)

Origin, evolution and domestication of crop plants, centre of origin, law of homologous series, crop genetic resources conservation and utilization

  1. Discuss the importance of crop genetic resource conservation and utilization. (20M, CSE 2024)
  2. What do you understand by passport data of genetic resources? Write its importance in germplasm collection and conservation. (8M, IFoS-2023)
  3. Write down about the origin and domestication of rice. (10M 150W CSE 2023)
  4. Discuss the concept of centre of origin of crops and its role in plant breeding. Describe the role of N.
    1. Vavilov in identifying centre of origin of various crops with appropriate examples. (20M, CSE 2022)
  5. What do you understand by centre of origin? Discuss the low of homologous series of variation. (15M, CSE 2021)
  6. What do you mean by gene pool concept and genetic erosion? Classify the gene pool of a crop. (10M, 150W, CSE 2021)
  7. Distinguish between the following, giving suitable examples Natural selection and Artificial selection, (5M, IFoS 2020)
  8. What do you mean by conservation of plant genetic resources? Explain their contribution in crop improvement in India. (10M, IFoS 2020)
  9. Describe the role of plant genetic resources conservation in crop improvement. (10M, 150W, CSE)
  10. Give a brief account of conservation of crop genetic resources. (10M, 150W, CSE 2017)
  11. Explain the law of homologous series. How is it helpful in genetic resources, conservation and utilization? (12.5M, CSE 2015)
  12. Discuss the importance of conservation of plant genetic resources for crop improvements. (12.5M, CSE 2015)
  13. Natural selection and artificial selection of plants. (10M, IFoS-2014)
  14. Why do quantitative traits show continuous variation? (12.5M, CSE 2014)
  15. “Genetic erosion caused by human activities is a threat to agriculture” –Comment. (15M, 200W, CSE 2012)
  16. Discuss the vole of conservation and utilization of plant genetic resources giving examples. (20M, CSE 2001)
  17. Define germplasm. How do you maintain germplasm? List donor genetic resources for various traits being used for developing the new plant type in rice. (20M, CSE 2000)
  18. Describe importance and origin of wheat and cotton and state hybrid cotton varieties in cultivation in India. (20M, CSE 1998)
  19. Short notes on Genetic code (20M, CSE 1998)
  20. Domestication of crop species. (CSE 1992)
  21. 21.Crops originated in the ‘Central American Centre of origin’ (CSE 1992)

Application of principles of plant breeding, improvement of crop plants

  1. Describe different approaches for improving the characteristics of inbred lines. (10M, CSE 2024)
  2. Explain the methods for creating the variability. How are the types of selection responsible for population improvement in crop plants? (15M, IFoS-2022)
  3. Describe backcross method of plant breeding and its application in development of biotic stress tolerant or resistant varieties with suitable examples. (15M, IFoS-2022)
  4. Explain how synthetic varieties are produced and indicate their merits. (10M, IFoS 2021)
  5. Differentiate between the following: Pollinator and Pollinizer (5M, IFoS 2020)
  6. Define synthetic variety. Discuss the operations involved in the production of synthetic varieties. (10M, 150W, CSE 2020)
  7. Discuss the technique of clonal selection in crop breeding. (20M, CSE 2007)
  8. What is clone? Compare clones, inbreeds and pure lines. (20M, CSE 2004)
  9. What is biometry? Discuss the usefulness of biometrical techniques to the plant breeders. (20M, 200W, CSE 2002)
  10. Write about the various methods of crop improvement in plant breeding. (20M, CSE 1999)
  11. Short notes on Back-cross (20M, CSE 1998)
  12. What is Synthetic Variety? How does a synthetic variety differ from a pure line? (20M, 200W, CSE 1997)
  13. Di allele crosses (CSE 1995)
  14. What is parthenocarpy? State some important parthenocarpic fruits. Explain how parthenocarpy is achieved by breeding and by chemicals. (200W, CSE 1993)
  15. Discuss the scope of crop introduction as a means of crop improvement. What are the drawbacks of the method and how are they overcome in practice? (CSE 1993)
  16. What are synthetic varieties? What are the possibilities for their commercial utilization? List the operations in the production of a synthetic variety and mention their merits and demerits. (CSE 1992)

Molecular markers and their application in plant improvement

  1. Explain the molecular marker approach in crop improvement. (8M, IFoS 2020)
  2. Describe the role of molecular markers and marker-assisted selection in crop improvement. (15M, CSE 2020)
  3. Differentiate between Conventional and Molecular breeding (CSE 2020)
  4. Describe the applications of molecular markers in crop improvement. (20M, CSE 2017)
  5. Give the advantages of molecular markers over other genetic markers. (10M, IFoS-2017)
  6. Short notes on Molecular markets and their application in plant improvement (15M, 150W, CSE 2011)
  7. Short note on Molecular markers and transgenic (15M, 150W, CSE 2010)
  8. Short note on Molecular basis of disease diagnosis (15M, 150W, CSE 2009)
  9. Short note on Molecular marker approach in plant breeding (20M, CSE 2000)

Pure-line selection, pedigree, mass and recurrent selections

  1. Give an account of bulk method of breeding. Discuss its merits and demerits. (20M, CSE 2024)
  2. Write the breeding objectives for improvement of wheat and gram. Describe the pedigree method of breeding for crop improvement. (15M, IFoS-2023)
  3. Explain the method of recurrent selection. Write the importance of combining ability in crop improvement. (15M, IFoS-2022)
  4. What are the application of mass selection in self-pollinated crops? describe its merits and demerits? (10M, CSE 2022)
  5. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of mass selection, simple recurrent selection and clonal selection. (10M, 150W, CSE 2021)
  6. What are the characters of pure lines? Describe the procedure for pureline selection with achievements made in agriculture. (10M, IFoS 2021)
  7. Write the various methods of plant breeding. Describe backcross method with its importance in development of crop varieties. (15M, IFoS 2020)
  8. What is mass selection? Discuss its application in varietal improvement. (10M, 150W, CSE 2020)
  9. Define pedigree method and give its importance in crop improvement, with suitable examples. (15M, CSE 2019)
  10. Explain the breeding methods of rice crop. (8M, IFoS-2019)
  11. Pedigree and Bulk method of plant breeding (10M, IFoS-2019)
  12. Describe the backcross method and its application in agriculture. (15M, IFoS-2019)
  13. Define mass selection. Explain its applications in self-pollinated crops. (10M, 150W, CSE 2018)
  14. Distinguish between Back cross and Test cross. (10M, IFoS-2016)
  15. Define ‘pure lines’ along with their characteristics. How are they used in crop improvement? (10M, 150W, CSE 2016)
  16. Distinguish between Back cross and dihybrid cross. (10M, IFoS-2015)
  17. Describe in brief various schemes suggested to improve characteristics of inbred lines. (10M, IFoS-2015)
  18. Define pure line. Discuss the relevance of pure line selection in self and cross-pollinated crops. (12.5M, CSE 2014)
  19. Discuss Pure lines become genetically variable with time. (12.5M, 200W, CSE 2013)
  20. Explain Genetic consequences of repeated backcrossing. (12.5M, 200W, CSE 2013)
  21. What is maker-assisted selection? Discuss its advantages over conventional phenotype-based selection in crop improvement. (12M, 150W, CSE 2012)
  22. Describe the methods of transfer of two or more characters to a single recurrent parent. (15M, CSE 2010)
  23. In what situations are different recurrent selection methods used and compare their effectiveness. (15M, CSE 2010)
  24. Differentiate mass selection from pure-line selection and also explain why pure-line selection has been widely used than mass selection. (20M, 200W, CSE 2009)
  25. Distinguish Mass selection and recurrent selection (20M, 200W, CSE 2006)
  26. Short notes on Pedigree method (20M, 200W, CSE 2006)
  27. Differentiate Back cross and test cross (15M, CSE 2005)
  28. Discuss the merits and demerits of pure line selection. (20M, CSE 2004)
  29. Define mass selection. Describe the procedure of mass selection in brief. (20M, 200W, CSE 2004)
  30. Comments Mass and recurrent selection (20M, CSE 2003)
  31. Define mass selection. Explain the procedure of mass selection and discuss its merits and demerits. (20M, CSE 2002)
  32. Discuss in brief the progeny selection and describe its merits and demerits. (20M, CSE 2002)
  33. Briefly describe the bulk method of breeding and its applications in crop improvement programme. (20M, CSE 2002)
  34. Describe the pure-line selection. How far has this method been useful in evolving high yielding varieties of cereal crops? (20M, CSE 2001)
  35. Describe the method of back cross breeding used for transfer of recessive disease resistance. Can this method improve yield potential? Justify your answer. (20M, CSE 2001)
  36. Explain with the help of a flow chart how backcross method of breeding can be used for transfer of disease resistance controlled by a dominant gene. List the merits and limitations of backcross method of breeding. (20M, 200W, CSE 2000)
  37. Maintainer Lines Versus Restorer Lines (CSE 1992)
  38. Biparental cross and back cross (CSE 1991)
  39. Multiline variety. (CSE 1989)

Combining ability, its significance in plant breeding

  1. Differentiate between the following:
    1. Apomixis and Parthenogenesis
    2. Quantitative traits and Qualitative traits
    3. Recurrent Selection for General Combining Ability (RSGCA) and Recurrent Selection for Specific Combining Ability (RSSCA)
    4. Avoidance and Non-Preference(v)Penetrance and Expressivity. (15M, IFoS-2023)
  2. Define ‘general combining ability’. Explain the genetic basis and methods for estimating SCA in diallel mating system (12.5M, CSE 2016)
  3. Define general combining ability. Describe the procedure for recurrent selection for general combining ability. (12.5M, CSE 2014)
  4. Explain Combining ability and its significance in plant breeding. (20M, CSE 2003)
  5. Brief notes combining ability (20M, CSE 2000)

Heterosis and its exploitation

  1. Describe the physiological and molecular basis of heterosis. (15M, CSE 2021)
  2. Discuss the genetic basis of heterosis and inbreeding depression. (8M, IFoS 2021)
  3. What do you mean by heterosis? Describe the genetic basis of heterosis. (8M, IFoS 2020)
  4. Discuss the role of heterosis in crop improvement with suitable examples. (8M, IFoS-2019)
  5. What do you mean by heterosis? Describe the physiological bases of heterosis. (10M, 150W, CSE 2018)
  6. Heterosis breeding and Mutation breeding (10M, IFoS-2018)
  7. Define heterosis. How is heterosis being exploited in the development of hybrids? (20M, CSE 2017)
  8. “Heterosis is observed in both self and cross-pollinated crops, but hybrid varieties are more common in cross-pollinated crops”. Comment on this statement on the basis of relevant information. (10M, CSE 2014)
  9. Briefly describe the molecular mechanisms involved in heterosis. (10M, 150W, CSE 2013)
  10. Define heterosis. Discuss its application in crop improvement. (15M, 200W, CSE 2012)
  11. What is heterosis? Explain its role in crop improvement. (20M, 200W, CSE 2004)
  12. What is hybrid vigour? How is it beneficial in crop improvement? Give examples of hybrid varieties. (20M, CSE 1998)
  13. Discuss how hereditary and environmental factors influence the plant behaviour. (200W, CSE 1992)
  14. What is hybrid vigour? Describe the procedure usually followed for the production of hybrid seed of bajra (Pearl Millet) in large quantities. (CSE 1989)

Somatic hybridization

  1. Explain the techniques involved in somatic hybridization in crop plants. (10M, CSE 2022)
  2. Describe somaclonal variation and its importance. Discuss the causes and factors influencing such variation. (15M, IFoS 2021)
  3. Explain the importance of somatic hybridization in agriculture. (10M, 150W, CSE 2021)
  4. Soma clonal variation (12.5M, CSE 2014)
  5. Explain Usefulness of somatic hybridization for creating genetic variation. (12.5M, 200W, CSE 2013)
  6. Short notes on Soma clonal variation and its use in crop improvement (15M, 150W, CSE 2011)
  7. Differentiate Somatic hybridization versus protoplast fusion (20M, 200W, CSE 2009)
  8. What is distant hybridization? Describe in brief the limitations of distant hybridization in crop improvement (20M, CSE 2004)

Breeding for disease and pest resistance

  1. Describe Systematic Acquired Resistance (SAR) and source of disease resistance with suitable examples. Write the advantages of breeding for disease resistance in plants. (20M CSE 2023)
  2. What do you understand by the vertical and horizontal diseases resistance in crop plants? (10M, CSE 2022)
  3. What do you mean by vertical and horizontal resistance? Give an account of basic principles behind these resistances. (15M, IFoS 2020)
  4. Describe gene pyramiding and gene introgression with their importance in developing disease resistant, varieties. (15M, CSE 2019)
  5. Discuss the methods of gene transfer to plant. Explain how it is achieved in cotton for insect resistance. (15M, IFoS-2019)
  6. Explain the mechanism involved in breeding for resistance to insect-pests. (20M, CSE 2017)
  7. Role of Bt cotton in cotton production (10M, CSE 2017)
  8. Discuss the importance of gene pyramiding and gene introgression in developing disease-resistant cultivars (12.5M, CSE 2016)
  9. Horizontal and vertical resistance (12.5M, CSE 2016)
  10. Describe gene for gene relationship between host and pathogen. (8M, 150W, IFoS-2015)
  11. Horizontal disease resistance is preferable to vertical resistance. (12.5M, CSE 2013)
  12. Explaintransgenic plants for disease/insect resistance. (12.5M, 200W, CSE 2013)
  13. Discuss the use of multiline of composite varieties to control epidemic diseases of self-pollinated crops. (20M, 200W, CSE 2009)
  14. Describe the method of breeding for disease and pest resistance. Name 10 varieties of rice evolved as resistance to insect and diseases. (200W, 20M, CSE 2008)
  15. Define vertical and horizontal resistance. Give suitable example of their utilization in various crops. (200W, 20M, CSE 2008)
  16. What do you understand from vertical and horizontal resistance? Give suitable examples on their utilisation in various crops, (CSE 1995)
  17. ‘Resistance breeding is the only durable solution to the ever-increasing disease problems.’ Discuss this statement with reference to economic, ecologic and agronomic angles. (200W, CSE 1993)
  18. What is the role of hybridization in the improvement of crop plants? Explain the technique followed for incorporating the following: (200W, CSE 1993)
    1. Disease resistance
    2. Quality improvement Cite specific examples.
  19. Genetic resistance is the most desirable and useful method of controlling a pest. Comment (CSE 1992)
  20. Genetics and breeding for resistance to bacterial leaf bright and brown plant hopper in rice. Discuss (200W, CSE 1991)
  21. Breeding resistant varieties of crops is the only permanent solution to ever increasing disease
    problems Discuss this statement from all possible angles. (200W, CSE 1989)

Role of interspecific and intergeneric hybridization

  1. What is distant hybridization? Discuss its applications, achievements and limitations in plant breeding. (20M, CSE 2024)
  2. What is distant hybridization? Explain how it is used for developing new varieties. (15M, IFoS 2021)
  3. Highlight the various contributions of inter-specific hybridization in crop improvement. (10M, CSE 2014)
  4. Discuss Interspecific hybrids show variable degrees of sterility. (12.5M, 200W, CSE 2013)
  5. Explain the techniques used in production of distant hybrids. What are the problems in using improved varieties in distant hybridization? (20M, 200W, CSE 2009)
  6. Distinguish between intra and inter-specific hybridization. Explain the barriers encountered during inter specific hybridization and methods to overcome them. (20M, 200W, CSE 2000)
  7. Interspecific hybridization. (CSE 1992)

Role of genetic engineering and biotechnology in crop improvement. Genetically modified crop plants

  1. Describe the latest advances in biotechnology for crop improvement. (10M, CSE 2024)
  2. Describe in brief applications of genetic engineering for insect and herbicide resistance in crop plants. (20M, CSE 2022)
  3. What is clone? What do you understand by clonal selection? Describe the various steps involved in clonal selection.(15M, CSE 2021)
  4. What is micropropagation? Discuss its advantages. Name the types of explants used in important crops (15M, IFoS 2021)
  5. What do you understand by genetically modified crop plants? Give an account of their uses in management of insect-pests, diseases, and weeds. (15M, CSE 2020)
  6. Narrate the role of genetic engineering in crop improvement. (10M, CSE 2017)
  7. What is embryo rescue? Write its advantages in crop improvement. Indicate the technique with special reference to interspecific and intergeneric hybridization. (10M, 150W, CSE 2017)
  8. Describe the procedure of tissue culture for multiplying new cultivars of gladiolus (10M, 150W, CSE 2016)
  9. Describe meristem culture and production of virus-free plants. (8M,150W, IFoS-2016)
  10. Discuss engineering plants for tolerance to insect damage. (10M, IFoS-2016)
  11. Describe totipotency and give its application. (8M, 150W, IFoS-2015)
  12. Describe meristem culture and production of virus-free plants. (10M, IFoS-2015)
  13. Gene cloning and development of transgenics (12.5M, CSE 2014)
  14. Discuss the role of transgenic technology for enhancing shelf life of fruits, vegetables and flowers. (15M, 200W, CSE 2012)
  15. What is micro-propagation? What are its advantages? Give suitable example of its utilization in horticultural crops. (15M, 150W, CSE 2011)
  16. How does agro bacterium and its plasmids play role in transformation of dicotyledonous plants? Whether can they be utilized in the transformation of any monocotyledonous plants? (20M, 200W, CSE 2009)
  17. Write down the need and benefits of biotechnology (20M, 200W, CSE 2007)
  18. Write on tissue culture and its application in modern agriculture (20M, 200W, CSE 2006)
  19. Give the definition of bio-technology. Discuss its importance in crop improvement. (20M, 200W, CSE 2005)
  20. Define genetic engineering. Discuss different components and its role in crop breeding. (20M, 200W, CSE 2005)
  21. Discuss the role of biotechnology in hybrid and improved varieties production in crops and explain the hybrid vigour. (20M, 200W, CSE 2003)
  22. Justify Adoption of bio-technological techniques in horticulture are quite useful. (20M, CSE 2001)
  23. Define biotechnology. Explain about some of the recent trends in the application of biotechnology in plant protection. (20M, 200W, CSE 1999)
  24. Short notes on Tissue culture (20M, CSE 1998)
  25. Short notes on Genetic engineering (20M, CSE 1998)
  26. Short notes on Genetic Engineering (20M, CSE 1997)
  27. Short notes on Embryo-rescue (20M, CSE 1996)
  28. What is the mode of action of Bacillus thuringinesis endotoxin? Give a critical account of its exploitation in the control of insect pests in field crops. (20M, CSE 1996)
  29. Short notes on Role of Bt gene in biological control of pests (20M, 200W, CSE 1994)
  30. What is genetic engineering? Explain the scope and practical utility and its limitations in crop production. (CSE 1993)
  31. What is Biotechnology? Explain its potential application for agriculture and horticulture. (CSE 1989)

Genetically modified crop plants

  1. Give a brief account of genetically modified crops with suitable examples. (10M, IFoS-2023)
  2. Write the merits and limitations of using genetically modified crops. Present a brief account on the application of GM technology in India (10M, 150W, CSE 2019)
  3. What do you mean by genetically modified crop plants? Write its advantages and disadvantages. (12.5M, CSE 2015)
  4. Short notes on genetically modified food (12.5M, 200W, CSE 2013)
  5. Explain transgenic plants for disease/insect resistance (12.5M, 200W, CSE 2013)
  6. Discuss the role of transgenic technology for enhancing shelf life of fruits, vegetables and flowers. (15M, 200W, CSE 2012)
  7. What are transgenic? Discuss the major bio safety concerns of genetically modified crops. (15M, 150W, CSE 2011)
  8. Short notes on Bacillus thuringiensis (20M, CSE 2004)
  9. Give an account in brief on Genetically Modified Crops. (20M, CSE 2002)
  10. Short notes on Transgenic plants (20M, CSE 2002)
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