ICAR AIEEA PG Agronomy 14 July 2023 (Shift 1) Paper

Geographical origin of Berseem clover:

• Berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum), universally known as Egyptian clover, is indigenous to Egypt and the eastern Mediterranean basin.
• It was introduced into India from Egypt in 1904 at Mirpurkhas (Sindh) and has since become the king of winter forage crops in northern and central India.

Etiology of wheat ear cockle:

• Ear cockle (also known as seed gall disease of wheat) is caused by the seed gall nematode, Anguina tritici.
• Second-stage juveniles infect floral tissues, transforming normal grains into dark, hardened nematode galls (cockles).
• When associated with the bacterium Rathayibacter tritici, it causes yellow ear rot or 'Tundu' disease.

Core principles of the System of Rice Intensification (SRI):

• SRI relies heavily on organic manures, vermicompost, and integrated nutrient management rather than heavy synthetic chemical fertilizers. Hence, 'Increased application of chemical fertilizers' does not apply.
• Other core tenets of SRI include:
• Very young seedlings ($8-12\text{ days}$ old with 2 leaves);
• Single seedling per hill at wider spacing ($25\times 25\text{ cm}$, reduced plant density);
• Alternate wetting and drying (AWD, reduced water application);
• Mechanical cono-weeding for root aeration.