UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 58
Mycorrhizal biotechnology has been used in rehabilitating degraded sites because mycorrhiza enables the plants to
- resist drought and increase absorptive area
- tolerate extremes of pH
- resist disease infestation
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: D
Correct Option: D
Explanation: Mycorrhizal fungal symbioses extend root absorption, improve nutrient and water uptake and can improve stress and disease resistance on degraded sites.
Statement/Pair-wise Analysis:
Statement/Item 1: Correct - Fungal hyphae broaden absorptive area, improving water uptake and drought tolerance.
Statement/Item 2: Correct - Symbiosis can improve nutrient uptake and tolerance to acidic or alkaline soil stresses.
Statement/Item 3: Correct - Beneficial root fungi may suppress root pathogens and improve plant resistance.
Option-wise Analysis:
A: Incorrect - excludes true items 2, 3.
B: Incorrect - excludes true item 1.
C: Incorrect - excludes true item 2.
D: Correct - selects all and only the accurate statements/pairs.