Agriculture, its importance in national economy. Factors determining
agroecological zones and geographic distribution of crop plants.
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Importance of crop plants, cultural practices for cereal, pulses, oilseed,
fibre, sugar, tuber and fodder crops and scientific basis for these crop
rotations, multiple and relay cropping, intercropping and mixed cropping.
Soil as medium of plant growth and its composition, mineral and organic
constituents of the soil and their role in crop production; chemical, physical
and microbiological properties of soils. Essential plant nutrients (macro and
micro)�their functions, occurrence, cycling in soils Principles of soil
fertility and its evaluation for judicious fertilizer use. Organic manures and
bio-fertilizers, inorganic fertilizers, integrated nutrient management.
Principles of plant physiology with reference to plant nutrition, absorption,
transactions, and metabolism of nutrients.
Diagnosis of nutrient deficiencies and their amelioration photosynthesis and
respiration, growth and development, auxins and hormones in plant growth.
Cell and cell organelles. Cell division. Reproductive cycle, Principles of
genetics, gene-interaction, sex determination, linkage and recombination,
mutation, extra chromosomal inheritance, polyploidy. Origin and domestication of
crop plants. Genetic resources-conservation and utilization. Floral biology in
relation to selfing and crossing.
Genetic basis of plant breeding pureline selection, mass selection, male
sterility and incompatibility and their use in plant breeding. Pedigree
selection, back-cross method of selection. Heterosis and its exploitation.
Development of hybrids, composites and synthetic, Important varieties, hybrids,
composites and synthetic of major crops. Seeds and seed-production techniques.
Important fruit and vegetable crops of India, method of propagation�Sexual
and asexual. Package and practices and their scientific basis. Crop rotation,
intercropping, companion crops, role of fruits and vegetables in human
nutrition, post-harvest handling and processing of fruits and vegetables.
Landscaping and ornamental horticulture, commercial floriculture. Medicinal and
aromatic plants. Serious pests and diseases affecting major crops. Principles of
control of crop pests and diseases, integrated management. Proper use and
maintenance of plant protection equipment.
Principles of economics as applied to agriculture. Farm planning and optimum
resource�use efficiency and maximising income and employment. Farm systems and
their spatial distribution, their significant roles in regional economic
development.
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