Plant: Economic Importance Archives

1. Which of the following items is/are associated with the mulberry plant

Which of the following items is/are associated with the mulberry plant?
1. Silk
2. Cocoon
3. Pashmina
4. Hemp
Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1 and 2 only

1, 2 and 3 only

1 and 4 only

2 only

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2018

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Silk and Cocoon are directly associated with the mulberry plant.

– The mulberry plant (genus Morus) is the primary food source for the silkworm Bombyx mori, which is the most widely used species in commercial sericulture (silk production).
– Silkworms feed on mulberry leaves and then spin cocoons made of silk fibers. The silk yarn is subsequently obtained from these cocoons.
– Pashmina is a fine type of wool obtained from the Cashmere goat, native to high altitudes of the Himalayas. It is not related to the mulberry plant.
– Hemp is a fiber derived from the Cannabis plant and is used for textiles, paper, biofuels, etc. It is not associated with the mulberry plant.

Sericulture is the cultivation of silkworms for the production of silk. Different types of silk exist (like Muga, Eri, Tasar), some of which are produced by silkworms that feed on plants other than mulberry, but mulberry silk is the most common variety.

2. Which one of the following is used in preparing a natural mosquito

Which one of the following is used in preparing a natural mosquito repellent?

Congress grass

Elephant grass

Lemongrass

Nut grass

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2021

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Lemongrass (Cymbopogon species) is widely known for its natural mosquito repellent properties. It contains citronella oil, a volatile oil commonly used as an ingredient in mosquito repellents, candles, and lotions. The strong citrusy scent of lemongrass is effective in deterring mosquitoes and other insects.
– Congress grass (Parthenium hysterophorus) is an invasive weed notorious for causing allergies and has no repellent properties; in fact, it can be harmful.
– Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) is a tall, fast-growing grass primarily used as fodder or for biomass energy; it is not used as a mosquito repellent.
– Nut grass (Cyperus rotundus) is a common weed with some traditional medicinal uses, but it is not widely known or used as a mosquito repellent.

Lemongrass contains citronella oil, a well-established natural insect repellent.

Other plants known for mosquito repellent properties include Citronella (closely related to lemongrass), Lemon Eucalyptus, Catnip, Basil, Lavender, and Peppermint.

3. Consider the following statements: 1. Maize can be used for the prod

Consider the following statements:

1. Maize can be used for the production of starch.
2. Oil extracted from maize can be a feedstock for biodiesel.
3. Alcoholic beverages can be produced by using maize.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only

1 and 2 only

2 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2014

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The correct answer is D) 1, 2 and 3. Maize (corn) is a versatile crop with numerous uses in food, animal feed, and various industrial applications.

1. Maize can be used for the production of starch: Corn starch is a major product derived from maize and is used in food processing, paper manufacturing, textiles, and adhesives.
2. Oil extracted from maize can be a feedstock for biodiesel: Corn oil is extracted from the germ of the maize kernel and is used as cooking oil and in various industrial applications, including as a potential feedstock for biodiesel production.
3. Alcoholic beverages can be produced by using maize: Maize is fermented to produce ethanol, which is used in alcoholic beverages (like Bourbon whiskey) and as a biofuel.

Maize is one of the world’s most widely cultivated cereal crops. Its primary use globally is as animal feed, followed by human food (direct consumption or processed products like flour, starch, oil, syrup), and industrial uses (biofuel, plastics, etc.).

4. With reference to Neem tree, consider the following statements : 1.

With reference to Neem tree, consider the following statements :

1. Neem oil can be used as a pesticide to control the proliferation of some species of insects and mites.
2. Neem seeds are used in the manufacture of biofuels and hospital detergents.
3. Neem oil has applications in pharmaceutical industry.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 and 2 only

3 only

1 and 3 only

1, 2 and 3

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2014

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The Neem tree (Azadirachta indica) is renowned for its various uses, particularly derived from its seeds and leaves.
Statement 1 is correct: Neem oil contains compounds like azadirachtin which act as natural insecticides, repellent, and growth regulators for a wide range of insects and mites. It is widely used as a biopesticide.
Statement 2 is correct: Neem seeds contain oil that can be used for making soap (a component in detergents) and has potential as a non-edible oil source for biodiesel production (biofuels). While ‘hospital detergents’ is specific, the use in soap/detergents and potential for biofuels from seeds is established.
Statement 3 is correct: Neem and its derivatives have a long history of use in traditional medicine (Ayurveda, Unani). Modern research has explored its potential in pharmaceuticals for its antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and other properties.

– Neem products, especially neem oil from seeds, have insecticidal properties.
– Neem oil is used in soap/detergent making and explored for biofuel production.
– Neem has medicinal properties and applications in the pharmaceutical industry.

The numerous applications of Neem tree have led to it being called “Sarva Rog Nivarni” (curer of all ailments) or “village pharmacy” in India. Its eco-friendly pesticidal properties are particularly valued in organic farming.

5. Which one of the following is useful in the paper manufacturing

Which one of the following is useful in the paper manufacturing industry?

Fibrous plants

Orchids

Non-flowering plants

Plants growing in high altitude

This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-2 – 2015

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The correct answer is A) Fibrous plants. Paper is primarily made from cellulose fibers, which are obtained from plants. Fibrous plants, particularly trees (wood pulp) and other plants like bamboo, cotton, and hemp, are rich in these fibers and are the main raw materials for the paper manufacturing industry.

Paper production relies on extracting cellulose fibers from plant sources.

While other plants exist (like orchids, non-flowering plants, high-altitude plants), the key characteristic relevant to paper making is the presence of suitable fibers. Orchids are not used for paper. Non-flowering plants is too broad; while some non-flowering plants like conifers are used, the term “fibrous plants” is a more direct description of the useful property. Plants growing in high altitude is irrelevant to their suitability for paper making based on fiber content.

6. Sugarcane is one of the important cash crops in India. It is grown to

Sugarcane is one of the important cash crops in India. It is grown to obtain

Starch

Glucose

Fructose

Sucrose

This question was previously asked in

UPSC NDA-1 – 2017

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Sugarcane is primarily grown to obtain sucrose.

Sugarcane juice is rich in sucrose, which is a disaccharide composed of glucose and fructose. Sucrose is extracted and refined from sugarcane to produce table sugar. While sugarcane juice also contains small amounts of glucose and fructose, the main sugar produced is sucrose. Starch is a polysaccharide found in tubers and grains, not the main product from sugarcane.

Sugarcane is processed to extract the juice, which is then purified, concentrated, and crystallized to obtain sucrose. Byproducts like molasses are also produced.