UPSC Prelims 2009 · General Studies
Question 67: Science and Technology
Consider the following statements:
- 1.Sweet orange plant is propagated by grafting technique.
- 2.Jasmine plant is propagated by layering technique.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
AnswerThe answer is (c).
Both statements are correct. Sweet orange is propagated commercially by budding, a form of grafting, onto a rootstock chosen for vigour and disease resistance, so that the fruit quality of the parent is kept. Jasmine is propagated by layering, bending a stem down into the soil so that it roots, though cuttings are also used. Clonal propagation avoids the variation of seed.
- 1. Sweet orange is propagated by budding, a type of grafting.
- 2. Jasmine is propagated by layering.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement 1 is correct, (b) and (d) go: each of them leaves 1 out.
What you needed to know: Sweet orange is propagated by budding, a type of grafting.
- Then, if you were sure statement 2 is correct, (a) goes: it leaves 2 out.
What you needed to know: Jasmine is propagated by layering.
Only (c) is left. This one needs every statement.
This follows an unofficial answer: UPSC has not published its key for this year, and if that answer is wrong, so is this path.
Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong: jasmine is also propagated by layering.
- (b) Wrong: sweet orange is also propagated by grafting or budding.
- (c) Right: both claims hold.
- (d) Wrong: both statements are correct.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2009, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.