Explanation

• Loose smut of wheat is a seed-borne fungal disease caused by Ustilago tritici.
• The fungus infects the developing wheat embryo, and the infected seed may appear healthy externally.
• When infected seeds germinate, the fungus grows with the plant and eventually replaces the grain in the ear with black, powdery spores.

Last verified on 16-10-2026

Explanation

• Agroforestry is a land-use system that combines trees or shrubs with agricultural crops and/or livestock.
• The furniture industry uses wood obtained from trees grown in forests and agroforestry systems.
• Trees grown on farms can provide timber, reduce pressure on natural forests, and generate additional income for farmers.

Last verified on 16-10-2026

Explanation

• Denitrification is a biological reduction process in which microorganisms convert nitrate into gaseous nitrogen compounds, mainly nitrogen gas.
• It usually occurs under anaerobic conditions, when oxygen is limited in the soil.
• This process returns nitrogen to the atmosphere and reduces the amount of nitrogen available to plants.

Last verified on 16-10-2026

Explanation

• Sodicity occurs when excessive exchangeable sodium accumulates in the soil.
• It damaging soil structure and reducing water infiltration.
• Gypsum supplies calcium, which replaces sodium on soil exchange sites.
• Leaching then uses suitable-quality water to wash the displaced sodium salts down through the soil profile.
• Adequate drainage is essential.

Last verified on 16-10-2026

Explanation

• Blind hoeing is the shallow cultivation of soil before the crop seedlings emerge, mainly to destroy young weeds.
• In cotton, it is performed after sowing but before the cotton seedlings emerge, helping control weeds without damaging the crop.
• It requires careful timing and shallow operation to avoid disturbing germinating seeds.

Last verified on 16-10-2026

Explanation

• Prunus armeniaca is the scientific name of apricot.
• Apricot is a stone fruit belonging to the family Rosaceae.
• It is a deciduous fruit tree.
• It is commonly cultivated in temperate and cool regions.

Additional information:

• Pear: Pyrus communis
• Plum: Prunus domestica
• Peach: Prunus persica

Last verified on 16-10-2026

Explanation

Explanation

• Olericulture is a branch of horticulture.
  • It focuses on the cultivation, growth, and harvesting of vegetables.
  • Helps improve yield, quality, and pest management in vegetables.
  • Important for food supply and nutrition.
  • Examples include tomatoes, carrots, and cabbage.

Last verified on 12-02-2026

Explanation

• Pomology is the branch of horticulture that deals with the study, cultivation, and production of fruits.
• Includes fruit breeding, harvesting, storage, and marketing.
• Examples of fruits studied: apple, mango, citrus, banana, grapes.

Last verified on 31-01-2026

Explanation

• A subsoiler is a deep-tillage implement used to break compacted soil layers beneath the normal ploughing depth.
• It improves soil aeration, water infiltration, and root penetration without necessarily turning over the soil.

Additional information:

• Primary tillage: The initial major operation to loosen soil.
• Secondary tillage: Breaks clods and prepares a fine seedbed.
• Zero tillage: Seeds are planted with minimal soil disturbance.

Last verified on 16-10-2026