(a) It is possible to induce mutations artificially in plants through use of chemicals or radiations (like gamma radiations), and then selecting and using those plants that have the desirable character as a source in breeding.

This process is called mutation breeding. In mung bean, resistance to yellow mosaic virus and powdery mildew was induced by mutations.

(b) Traditional farming can only yield a limited biomass, as food for humans and animals. Better management practices and increase in agricultural land area can increase yield, but only to a limited extent. Plant breeding as a technology has helped increase production to avery large extent.

Plant breeding is the purposeful manipulation of plant species in order to create desired plant types that are better suited for cultivation, give better yields and are disease resistant.

This technology has given support to green revolution, which was responsible for not merely meeting the national requirements in food production, but also helped us to export it.

Plant cell totipotency can be utilised for plant propagation and improvement

(i) By application of these methods it is possible to achieve propagation of a large number of plants in very short time. Plants like tomato, banana, apple, etc., have been produced on commercial scale.

(ii) Healthy plants can be recovered from diseased plants (by micropropagation). This is done by removing the meristem, which is disease-free and growing it in vitro. This has been done in banana, sugarcane potato, etc.

What are three options to increase food production? Discuss each giving the salient features, merits and demerits.

Traditional farming can only yield a limited biomass as food for humans and animals. Better management practices and increase agricultural land can increase yield, but only to a limited extent.

Following are the three options to increase food production

(a) Single Cell Protein

The biomass obtained from microorganisms can be treated or processed in industry to be used as food and is called single cell protein.

Merits of Single Cell Proteins

(i) Its production reduces pollution as it uses organic wastes and industrial effluents.

(ii) It provides a protein-rich diet.

(iii) It fulfills the demand of protein for human diet and takes off the pressure on agriculture system.

Demerits of Single Cell Protein

(i) Sometimes the microbial biomass when taken as diet supplement may lead to allergic reactions.

(ii) Many types of microorganisms produce substances which are toxic to the humans and also to the animals.

(b) Biofortification

It is the method for developing crops with higher levels of vitamins, minerals proteins and healthier fats to improve public health.

Merits of Biofortification

(i) It can increase yields grown on the same or less acreage.

(ii) It can potentially improve nutritional value or other health benefits.

Demerits of Biofortification

(i) Its successful implementation into society requires safe delivery systems, stable policies, appropriate social infrastructures.

(ii) It continued by financial support also.

(c) Tissue-Culture

It is an in vitro technique for regeneration of a whole plant from any part of a plant by growing it on culture medium under aseptic conditions.

Merits of Tissue Culture

(i) A large number of plants can be grown in short time.

(ii) Disease-free plants can be multiplied.

(iii) Seedless plants can be multiplied

(iv) The plants where sexual reproduction is absent may undergo somatic hybridisation.

Demerits of Tissue Culture

(i) It requires great expense because it needs latest techniques in the laboratory.

(ii) It requires acclimatisation of plants grown by tissue culture to the external environment.

(iii) It requires special expertise.