With reference to agriculture in India, how can the technique of ‘genome sequencing', often seen in the news, be used in the immediate future?
- 1.Genome sequencing can be used to identify genetic markers for disease resistance and drought tolerance in various crop plants.
- 2.This technique helps in reducing the time required to develop new varieties of crop plants.
- 3.It can be used to decipher the host-pathogen relationships in crops.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
▶ Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: D. 1, 2 and 3
Genome sequencing allows for the precise identification of genes responsible for desirable traits like disease resistance and tolerance to environmental stresses such as drought. This detailed genetic information significantly accelerates the breeding process by enabling marker-assisted selection, thereby reducing the time needed to develop new crop varieties. Furthermore, understanding the complete genetic makeup of both crops and pathogens is crucial for deciphering complex host-pathogen interactions, paving the way for improved crop protection strategies.
Source: UPSC gs1 2017