Explanation

• During the 1980s, multiple cotton varieties including MNH‑93, NIAB‑78, and S‑12 were developed to improve yield and fiber quality.
• These varieties contributed to modern cotton cultivation in Pakistan.

Last verified on 22-01-2026

Explanation

• Sesame (Sesamum indicum) is an oilseed crop known for high oil content.
• Oil is extracted from sesame seeds for cooking and industrial use.
• The oil content is approximately 54% of the seed weight.
• Rich in unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants.
• Major producers include India, China, Myanmar, and Pakistan.

Last verified on 22-01-2026

Explanation

• Fine rice (Basmati) requires a low seed rate to ensure proper tillering.
• Recommended seed rate for fine rice is 15 kg per hectare.
• Lower seed rate improves plant spacing and grain quality.
• Used mainly for nursery raising before transplanting.
• Excess seed rate reduces yield and grain quality.

Last verified on 22-01-2026

Explanation

• Herbicides kill weeds by disrupting vital plant processes.
• Protein synthesis inhibition stops the formation of essential amino acids.
• Glyphosate inhibits the EPSP synthase enzyme.
• This blocks synthesis of aromatic amino acids, stopping plant growth.
• Widely used as a systemic, non-selective herbicide.

Last verified on 22-01-2026

Explanation

• The vertical movement of water in soil is called capillary rise or soil water movement.
• The first scientific study on this was conducted by Henry Darcy in the mid-19th century.
• Darcy’s work led to the Darcy’s Law, a fundamental principle in hydrology and soil physics.

Additional information:

• Darcy’s Law: Q = K × A × (Δh / L) (Flow rate formula through soil).

Last verified on 22-01-2026

Explanation

• Organic matter in soil comes from decayed plants and animals.
• It improves fertility, water retention, and soil structure.
• In Pakistani soils, organic matter is generally less than 1% due to arid climate and low vegetation.

Last verified on 22-01-2026

Explanation

• The ability of soil to resist rupture or deformation under stress is called consistency.
• Indicates how hard, soft, or plastic the soil is.

Additional information:

• Important for engineering, construction, and agriculture.
• Helps determine suitability for foundations, roads, and irrigation.
• Measured using tests like Atterberg limits for clay soils.

Last verified on 22-01-2026

Explanation

• Seeds absorb or release moisture during storage depending on air humidity.
• After a certain period, seed moisture becomes stable.
• This stable moisture level is called equilibrium moisture.
• It depends on temperature and relative humidity of the storage place.
• Important for seed quality and viability.

Last verified on 22-01-2026

Explanation

• Modern agriculture prefers eco-friendly pest management methods.
• Integrated Pest Control (IPC) uses all possible pest control methods together.
• It avoids heavy reliance on chemical pesticides to protect the environment.
• Combines biological, mechanical, cultural, and limited chemical methods.

Additional information:

• Also known as Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
• Recommended by FAO and agricultural research organizations worldwide.

Last verified on 22-01-2026

Explanation

• In pesticides, additives are chemicals mixed to improve effectiveness.
• A chemical added to increase the activity or effectiveness of a pesticide is called an activator.
• Activators help pesticides work faster or more efficiently.

Last verified on 22-01-2026