RPSC Agriculture Research Officer (Horticulture) - 2022

A Test cross is specifically defined as a cross between an F1 individual and its homozygous recessive parent, primarily utilized to determine whether the dominant individual is homozygous or heterozygous.

• Test cross: Specific cross with the homozygous recessive parent yielding diagnostic phenotypic ratios.
• Back cross: Broader term representing a cross of F1 with either of its parents (dominant or recessive).
• Top cross: Cross between an inbred line and an open-pollinated variety.
• Three way cross: Cross of an F1 single cross with a third unrelated inbred line.

In standard horticultural literature and RPSC official examination key, the lycopene content in ripe tomato fruit tissue is designated in the range of 20 to 50 mg per 100 g portion.

• 20-50 mg/100 gm Part: Standard textbook range designated in the official answer key.
• 40-80 mg/100 gm Part: Exceptionally high concentration seen only in processed pastes.
• 10-15 mg/100 gm Part: Lower range observed in early ripening stages.
• 60-65 mg/100 gm Part: Not a recognized baseline standard.

Portulaca (Portulaca grandiflora / Moss rose) possesses a low-growing, trailing succulent growth habit with vibrant colourful flowers, making it ideal for hanging baskets and window boxes.

• Amaranthus: Tall, erect ornamental foliage plant unsuitable for hanging containers.
• Zinnia: Stiff, upright flowering annual best suited for flower beds and borders.
• Portulaca: Trailing succulent habit perfectly suited for cascading from hanging baskets.
• Cosmos: Tall, upright bushy annual grown in ground beds.