UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 2
Which one of the following is used in preparing a natural mosquito repellent?
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: C
Correct Option: C (Lemongrass)
Explanation: Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) contains citral and aromatic oils used in plant-based insect repellent formulations.
Option-wise Analysis:
A. Incorrect-Congress grass (Parthenium) is an invasive allergenic weed, not the standard repellent source.
B. Incorrect-Elephant grass is chiefly a fodder/biomass grass, not the cited repellent.
C. Correct-lemongrass oil has insect-repelling aromatic constituents.
D. Incorrect-Nut grass (Cyperus rotundus) is not the commonly cited natural mosquito-repellent crop.