UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 4
Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding vegetative propagation of plants?
- Vegetative propagation produces clonal population.
- Vegetative propagation helps in eliminating the virus.
- Vegetative propagation can be practiced most of the year.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: C
Correct Option: C
Explanation: Vegetative propagation uses stems, roots or other vegetative parts to reproduce genetically similar plants and can be carried out through much of the year. It does not inherently eliminate plant viruses.
Statement/Pair-wise Analysis:
Statement/Item 1: Correct - Clonal offspring arise without meiotic recombination or seed formation.
Statement/Item 2: Incorrect - Vegetative material often transmits viruses; special meristem/tissue culture may remove them, not ordinary propagation.
Statement/Item 3: Correct - Cuttings, layering and grafting can be practised across much of the year under suitable conditions.
Option-wise Analysis:
A: Incorrect - omits correct statement/item 3.
B: Incorrect - includes incorrect statement/item 2; omits correct statement/item 1.
C: Correct - includes all and only the correct items.
D: Incorrect - includes incorrect statement/item 2.