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What is the main purpose of hybridisation in crop improvement programmes?
To produce genetically identical plants through cloning
To combine desirable traits by crossing genetically dissimilar plants
To grow crops without using fertilizers or irrigation
To increase the natural mutation rate in crop plants
To combine desirable traits by crossing genetically dissimilar plants
Hybridisation is the process of cross-breeding two genetically distinct individuals to produce offspring with a combination of superior traits from both parents. This technique exploits heterosis or hybrid vigour, leading to enhanced productivity, disease resistance, and environmental adaptability in crops.
Hybridisation is the process of cross-breeding two genetically distinct individuals to produce offspring with a combination of superior traits from both parents. This technique exploits heterosis or hybrid vigour, leading to enhanced productivity, disease resistance, and environmental adaptability in crops.
The Green Revolution, spearheaded by M.S. Swaminathan in India during the 1960s, relied heavily on hybridisation and the development of High-Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds of wheat and rice.
Hybridisation results in 'Heterosis', where the hybrid offspring exhibits superior characteristics compared to its parents.
The process involves artificial pollination between two genetically diverse organisms within the same species or closely related species.
It is a cornerstone of classical plant breeding to create varieties that can withstand abiotic stresses like drought or salinity.
Option A describes cloning, which aims for genetic uniformity rather than trait recombination.
Option C refers to organic farming or agro-ecology, which does not define the biological mechanism of hybridisation.
Option D describes mutation breeding, which uses chemicals or radiation to induce genetic variability, unlike the targeted breeding approach of hybridisation.
The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in Hyderabad is a global hub for research on hybrid crops.
B is correct тАФ Hybridisation is specifically the crossing of genetically dissimilar plants to combine desired traits in the progeny.
Link this topic with the Green Revolution (1960s) in Modern Indian History to understand how the introduction of Mexican dwarf wheat varieties changed India's food security status.