Explanation

• Unisexual flowers have either male (staminate) or female (pistillate) reproductive organs, but not both.
• They are important in plants that rely on cross-pollination.

Additional information:

Examples of unisexual plants:

• Papaya (Carica papaya) – male and female flowers separate
• Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) – male and female flowers
• Maize (Zea mays) – tassel (male) & cob (female)
• Date palm – male and female trees
• Ginkgo – separate male and female trees

Last verified on 19-01-2026

Explanation

• Globally, about 30% of food produced is lost or wasted before reaching consumers.
• This includes losses during harvesting, storage, transportation, and processing.

Additional information:

Food loss by stage:

• Harvesting – 10%
• Post-harvest handling – 5%
• Processing – 5%
• Distribution – 5%
• Retail & households – 5%

Last verified on 19-01-2026

Explanation

• Pakistan’s forest area is decreasing over the years due to deforestation, urbanization, and overgrazing.
• Forests cover about 5% of Pakistan’s total land area.

Additional information:

• Major forests: Himalayan, Indus plain, and mangrove forests.
• Government programs like tree plantations and protected areas aim to slow down deforestation.

Explanation

Major sucking pests of cotton include:

• Whitefly – Causes leaf curling and transmits cotton leaf curl virus.
• Jassid (Leafhopper) – Sucks sap from leaves, causing yellowing.
• Aphid – Sucks plant sap and spreads viral diseases.

Additional information:

• Sucking pests reduce plant vigor and yield.
• Control methods: insecticides, biological control, and resistant varieties.

Last verified on 19-01-2026

Explanation

• Strip cropping involves planting different crops in alternate strips along the contour of the land.
• It helps in reducing soil erosion by slowing water runoff and protecting soil.

Additional information:

• Monocropping: Growing a single crop continuously – increases soil erosion risk.
• Shifting cultivation: Clearing new land each season – also leads to erosion.
• Example: Alternating strips of maize and legumes on slopes.

Last verified on 19-01-2026

Explanation

• Intercropping is the practice of growing two or more crops simultaneously on the same field.
• It helps in better land use, pest control, and higher overall yield.

Additional information:

• Crop rotation: Growing different crops in the same field in different seasons.
• Mixed farming: Growing crops and raising livestock together.
• Example of intercropping: Maize with legumes.

Last verified on 19-01-2026

Explanation

• Using traps for insects is a mechanical method of pest control.
• It involves physically capturing or killing pests without chemicals.

Additional information:

• Chemical control: Use of pesticides.
• Biological control: Use of natural predators or parasites.
• Examples of traps: Sticky traps, pheromone traps, light traps.

Last verified on 19-01-2026

Explanation

• Sufaida is commonly known as Blue Gum or Eucalyptus.
• Its scientific name is Eucalyptus globulus.

Additional information:

• It is widely planted for timber, paper, and essential oils.
• Fast-growing and used in afforestation and soil conservation programs.

Last verified on 19-01-2026

Explanation

• ICARDA (International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas) maintains the barley gene bank.
• It preserves genetic diversity of barley and other crops for research and breeding.

Additional information:

• CIMMYT: Focuses on wheat and maize improvement.
• ICAR: Indian Council of Agricultural Research, national-level organization.

Last verified on 19-01-2026

Explanation

• DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) is an example of an organochlorine pesticide.
• It is used to control insects in agriculture and for malaria control.

Additional information:

• Malathion: Organophosphate pesticide.
• Imidacloprid: Neonicotinoid pesticide.

Last verified on 19-01-2026