Life style diseases are increasing alarmingly in India. We are also dealing with large scale malnutrition in the population. Is there any method by which we can address both of these problems together?
To address both these problems biofortification can be done. This area focuses at improving food quality with respect to protein, oil, vitamin, micronutrient and mineral content. The oils need to be rich in omega 3 fatty acids which are good for heart.
Similarly, proteins should have more of lysine and tryptophan (essential amino acids). Many varieties of maize, carrots and spinach have been released which fulfill the above criteria.
How can we improve the success rate of fertilisation during artificial insemination in animal husbandry programmes?
To improve chances of successful production of hybrids many means are used. One such programme is called MOET or Multiple Ovulation Embryo Transfer. During this procedure, a cow is given hormonal treatment so that more than one ovule (6-8 eggs) is produced per cycle.
After mating or artificial insemination, the embryos at 8-32 celled state are transferred to different surrogate mothers. The method has been successfully used for cattle, sheep, buffalo, etc.
What is meant by germplasm collection? What are its benefits?
The collection of all the diverse alleles of all the genes of a crop plant is called germplasm collection. It is of great benefits in plant breeding programmes as it offers, to the breeders, the entire of genes and alleles and the characteristics which a plant expresses.
The breeder selects the most favourable characters of a particular gene, manipulates it and transfers to a desirable parent.
Name the improved characteristics of wheat that helped India to achieve green revolution.
Improved characteristics of wheat that helped India to achieve green revolution are
(i) Semi-dwarf nature
(ii) Quick yielding feature
(iii) High yielding feature
(iv) Disease resistance
Suggest some of the features of plants that will prevent insect and pest infestation.
Features of plants that will prevent insect and pest infestation are
(i) Increasing hair growth on aerial parts of plants.
(ii) Rendering the flowers nectarless.
(iii) Enabling plants to secrete insect killing chemicals (toxins).