Ans.
Ethnic Groups of Rajasthan:- Ethnic Group is group of people who share a similar culture (beliefs, values, and behaviors), language, religion, ancestry, or other characteristic that is often handed down from one generation to the next.
Examples:- Rajputs, Brahmins, Jats, Muslim Settlers, Bishnois, Bhils, Minas, Gujjars, Tribals, Rebaries, Gavarias, Banjaras, Charans, Gadia Lohars
Tribe:- A social group made up of many families, clans, or generations that share the same language, customs, and beliefs.
Major tribes and their life styles:-
> Rajasthan tribals form approximately twelve percent of the total population of Rajasthan. In fact, they were the original inhabitants of the area presently called Rajasthan.
> The Bhils and the Minas are the principal tribes of Rajasthan, India.
> Amongst the smaller tribes are Sahariyas, Gaduliya Lohars and the Garasias.
> The common traits shared by the different tribes of Rajasthan link their past together.
> Each tribe is distinguished by difference in their costumes, festivals and ornaments.
Some of the main tribes of Rajasthan are:
1. Bhils:-
- Bhils, the principal tribe of Rajasthan, comprise approximately 39% of the total tribal population in Rajasthan.
- Banswara area is dominated by this tribal group.
- They were believed to be fine archers and some Bhil bowmen found a mention in the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.
- In order to maintain their number, the Bhils mingled with the Rajputs.
- A number of Bhils gather at the Baneshwar festival held in Dungarpur.
- They rejoice by singing and dancing at the festival.
- Yet another festive time for Bhils is Holi. Superstition is deep rooted in the Bhil culture.
2. Minas:-
- Minas, the second largest tribe in Rajasthan, dominate the area of Shekhawati and other eastern parts of Rajasthan.
- They originally resided at the Indus Valley civilization.
- Minas have tall and athletic built and sharp features including large eyes, light brown complexion and thick lips.
- Alike the Bhils, the literacy rate amongst the Minas is low.
- They are married in quite young years.
3. Gadiya Lohars:-
- Originally a martial tribe, Gadiya Lohars derived their name from the attractive bullock carts popularly called gadis.
- Nowadays, they are nomadic blacksmiths.
- They left their homeland after Maharana Pratap was ousted from Chittorgarh by Emperor Akbar.
4. Garasias:-
- Garasias, small Rajput tribe resides along the Abu Road area in southern Rajasthan.
- Marriage through elopement is an interesting custom followed by this tribal group.
5. Sahariyas:-
- Sahariyas, the jungle dwellers, are found in Kota, Dungarpur and Sawai Madhopur areas o southern Rajasthan.
- Thought to be of Bhil origin, they are considered the most backward tribe in Rajasthan.
- Hunting and fishing are the main sources of earning a livelihood.
6. Damors:- Damors, chiefly, cultivators and manual laborers migrated from Gujarat to Rajasthan and settled in the Udaipur and Dungarpur districts.
Ans.
Shifting cultivation:- It is a class of primitive subsistence agriculture. In this, a plot of land is cleared by felling the trees and burning them. The ashes are then mixed with soil and crops are grown. After some time, the land is abandoned and the farmers move to a different place.
> The evil effects of shifting cultivation are devastating and far-reaching in degrading the environment
and ecology of these regions.
> The earlier 15–20 year cycle of shifting cultivation on a particular land has reduced to 2–3 years now. This has resulted in largescale deforestation, soil and nutrient loss, and invasion by weeds and other
species.
> The indigenous biodiversity has been affected to a large extent.
To mitigate the environmental loss and to provide other alternatives of livelihood to the local population, we have made an attempt in this paper to suggest environmental management options for shifting cultivation areas.
Impact of shifting cultivation:- The shifting cultivation is generally practised in the following sequence:
i. Selecting a forest patch and clear fell the vegetation normally in December and January
ii. Burning of the vegetation. Small, cut-trunks portion and roots are normally not removed. The herbs, shrubs and twigs and branches (slashed vegetation) are burnt in February and March.
iii. Sowing of seeds, by dibbling, generally of cereals, vegetables and oil seeds in April – May.
iv. Continuing cultivation for a few years.
v. Abandoning the cultivated site and shifting to other forest sites
vi. Returning to the former site, and once again practise shifting cultivation on it.
- With reduction in jhum cycle from 20–30 years to 2–3 years, the land under shifting cultivation looses its nutrients and the top soil.
- With reduction in crop yield, the families start moving to other virgin areas.
- Now a stage has come that it has already affected 2.7 million ha of land, and each year 0.45 ha of land fall under shifting cultivation, in northeast India.
Ans.
Origin of Maize :-
1. Introduction:-
> Common Name:- Maize, Corn
> Botanical Name:- Zea mays
> Family:- Poaceae or Gramineae
> Maize has the highest crop yield among all of the cereals, hence it is called the 'queen of cereal crops.
2. Chromosome Numbers and Species:-
Note:- Out of the above, only Zea mays is a cultivated species. The remaining three are wild species collectively called 'Teosinte'.
3. Types of Maize:- 5 types –
4. Center of Origin:-
· Primary Center of Origin:- Mexico
· Secondary Center of Origin:- China
Cultivation of Maize:-
1. Climate requirements:-
> Maize requires the warmth and humid climate.
i. For germination is 21 degree C.
ii. For growth is 32 degree C.
2. Soil type:-
> Maize thrives better on well drained ,sandy- loam to silty – loam soils.
> Land Preparation:-
- Give four to five ploughings and plankings to make the seed–bed free from clods and weeds.
- Use mould board plough ,disc harrow or cultivator for the 1st cultivation.
3. Time of sowing:-
> Last week of May to end of June.
> Seed rate:- Use 7 kg seed for popcorn and 8 kg per acre for other varieties.
4. Improved Varieties:-
i. PMH 11:- It matures in 95 days and its average yield is 22.0 q/acre.
ii. Parbhat:- It yields about 17.5 q/acre.
iii. PMH 1:- It matures in 95 days and average yield is 21 q/acre.
iv. PMH 2:- It matures in about 83 days and its average yield is 18 q/acre.
v. Punjab Sweet Corn 1:- It matures in about 95-100 Days . Its average green ear and grain yield is 50 and 13 q/acre.
5. Weed Management:-
> Culture:- Give two hoeings about 15 to 30 days after sowing with khurpa /kasaula/wheel-hoe etc.
> Chemical:- For control of dila/motha, apply 400ml per acre 2,4-D amines salt 58 SL as post emergence 20-25days after sowing in 150 L of water.
6. Irrigation management:-
> Generally, 4 -6 irrigations are required depending upon rainfall.
> Critical stages for irrigation – Tasseling and Silking.
7. Nutrient management:-
> Hybrid variety:- 120:50:40 NPK kg /ha.
> Composite variety:- 100:40: 30 NPK kg /ha.
> Paddy straw compost @ 180 kg per acre along with recommended dose of fertilizers can be alternate to FYM.
8. Harvesting and Threshing:-
> The maize crop is ready for harvesting even when the stalks and leaves are some what green but the husk cover has dried and turned brown.
> Maize shelled when the moisture content ranges between 15 to 20 %.
Improvement of Maize:-
1. Pollination:-
Ø Pollination in maize is by air.
Ø Maize is mainly a cross pollinated crop. It has 95% cross pollination and 5% self pollination.
Ø The following adaptations are found in maize plant for cross pollination:-
i. Unisexual flowers
ii. Monoecious plant
iii. Difference in maturation times of male and female inflorescence
iv. Silk fibers are receptive throughout their full length
v. Infinite pollen production
Ø Protandry is found in maize. Flowering in tassels takes place 2 days before cob.
Ø Maize shed pollens continuously up to 14 days.
Ø The viability of pollens lasts for 24 hours.
Ø The flowering of the female spikelets begins 2–5 days after the full opening of the tassel.
Ø In maize, the entire style acts as a stigma. The style remains receptive throughout its length for 14 days.
2. Breeding Objectives:-
a. Higher Yield:- It depends on the following factors -
i. Number of cobs per plant
ii. Size of cob
iii. Number of queues per cob
iv. Number of grains per queue
v. Size of grains
b. Adaptation:-
> Maize is a Short Day Plant. That is, for flowering it requires 8 hours of light and 16 hours of darkness.
> Flowering in maize depends on 2 factors -
i. Photoperiod
ii. Temperature
> Therefore, the production of photo-insensitive and early maturation varieties in maize is the purpose of breeding.
c. Quality:-
· Maize seeds contain 10% protein, of which 8% is Prolamin protein called Zein.
· Protein lacks lysine and tryptophen amino acids.
· Seeds also lack vitamin-B3, the deficiency of which causes Pilegra disease.
· The yield has an inverse relationship with the amount of protein. Increasing the amount of protein decreases the yield. The reason for this is that the cost of protein synthesis is high. More photosynthesis is required.
· The yield has a direct relationship with the amount of starch. Increasing the amount of starch increases the yield. The reason for this is that the cost of starch synthesis is low. Less photosynthesis is required.
d. Heat and Drought Resistance:-
· At temperatures above 38 ° C, the viability of pollens decreases.
· The rate of increase in cob length decreases in drought conditions. By the time cob comes out, pollens are over.
· Therefore, temperature resistant and drought resistant varieties should be developed in maize crop.
e. Disease Resistance:- Several types of diseases can occur in the maize crop which can cause economic loss. Developing resistance against these diseases is also objective of plant breeding.
i. Leaf Spot
ii. Leaf Blight
iii. Downy Mildew
iv. Rust
v. Sheath Blight
f. Insect Resistance:- Several types of insect pests can cause damage to the maize crop which leads to economic loss. Hence one objective is to generate resistance against these insect pests.
i. Stem Borer
ii. Cut Worm
iii. Shoot Fly
iv. Leaf Roller
v. Aphids
vi. Grass Hopper
3. Breeding Methods:-
a. Introduction:- Eto Amarillo (From Mexico to India)
b. Variety:- The improved variety 'Vikram' was developed by hybridizing the native variety 'basi' with the introduced variety 'Eto Amarillo'.
c. Double Cross Hybridization:-
- Punjab Hybrid - 1
- Punjab Hybrid - 3
- Ganga - 1
- Ganga - 101
- Deccan
- Ranjit
d. Composite Varieties:-
- Kisan
- Amber
- Jawahar
- Sona
- Vijay
- Proteina
- Ratan
- Shakti
- Vikas
- Navjot
- Dhawal
- Renuka
- NLD
Ans.
Soybean:-
Botanical Name:- Glycine max
Family:- Fabaceae
Introduction:-
> It is an important oil seed crop.
> Brazil is projected to be the largest producer of soybeans in the world followed by the United States & Argentina.
> Cultivated soybean seeds have an oil content of approximately 18–22%, whereas wild soybean seeds contain about 8–10% oil.
> The leading producer of soybean in India is Madhya Pradesh, followed by Maharashtra and Rajasthan.
Economic Botany:-
> Soybean oil is a vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of the soybean.
> It is one of the most widely consumed cooking oils and the second most consumed vegetable oil.
> As a drying oil, processed soybean oil is also used as a base for printing inks (soy ink) and oil paints.
> An edible oil pressed from the seeds is used to make margarine and as a stabilizing agent in the processing of food and the manufacture of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
> The oil is employed in such industrial products as paint, varnish, printing ink, soaps, insecticides, and disinfectants.
Ans.
Jute:-
Botanical Name:- Corchorus capsularis, C. olitorius.
Family:- Tiliaceae.
Economic Botany:-
> It is a chief fibre-yielding annual shrub.
> Fibres are obtained from the stem of two species, i.e., C. capsularis and C. olitorius.
> It is a bast fibre, obtained from the secondary phloem by the process of retting.
> Jute is cultivated in West Bengal, Assam, Orissa, Bihar and U.P.
> Jute fibre is used in making carpets, coarse material, twine, gunny bags, paper and many similar articles.
> Jute forms the base of linoleum and wool carpet industry.
> High quality grease-proof paper is prepared from the fibres of jute sticks. It is used commonly is confectionery industry for wrapping greasy materials.
> Dried leaves of C. capsularis are also used as a remedy for dysentry.
> Besides India, Bangladesh is also a chief jute- producing country of the world.
Ans.
Potato:-
Botanical Name:- Solanum Tuberosum
Origin:- South America
Economic Importance:-
> Potato is an important cash crop which gives ready cash to farmers.
> It is said to be ‘complete food’ as it contains carbohydrates, proteins, vit. B. vit. C and minerals like P, Ca and Fe required for body growth.
> It is one of the major vegetable crop of the world.
> It is the richest source of starch.
> Its calorific value is high.
> It produces more food per unit area than any cereal crop within short period.
> In India it is used as vegetable alone or mixed with other vegetables.
> Various products prepared form potato are chips, finger chips, cubes, flour etc.
Ans.
Cinnamon (Dalchini):-
Botanical Names:-
i. Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Cinnamon or Dalchini)
ii. Cinnamomum camphora (Camphor)
iii. Cinnamomum tamala (Tejpat or Indian Cassia)
Family:- Lauraceae
Economic Importance:-
> The drug cinnamon, which is used in diarrhoea, nausia and vomiting, is obtained from the dried inner bark of C. zeylanicum, i.e. Dalchini.
> Dalchini in India is mainly grown in Kerala. It is extensively used as a spice and condiment.
> Oil obtained from the bark is used as a stomachic and carminative. It removes the gastric disorders and destroys some fungi and germs.
> Camphor is obtained by distillation of the wood and leaves of C. camphora. Safrole, a highly valued constituent used in preparation of expensive perfumes, is also obtained from this species.
> Camphor is used internally in diarrhoea and as cardiac stimulant, and externally for local application for inflammations and rheumatic pains.
> Tejpat is obtained from the leaves of C. tamala. It is used as a spice and also in diarrhoea and colic disorders.
Ans.
Unexploited Plants of Potential Economic Value with reference to Rajasthan:- Ans.
Arjun:-
Botanical Name:- Terminalia arjuna
Family:- Combretaceae
Economic Importance:- Arjuna is best known as one of the foremost Ayurvedic herbs for supporting all areas of heart health. Here are a few of arjuna's remarkable benefits when it comes to promoting cardiovascular wellness:
i. Strong heart function and healthy circulation:- Arjuna strengthens and tones the circulatory system, rejuvenates the soft tissues, and promotes proper function of the heart muscle.
ii. Healthy flow of blood:- Arjuna's properties support the maintenance of healthy cholesterol levels already within the normal range, balanced blood pressure, and proper coagulation in the blood.
iii. Emotional wellness:- Arjuna has also been traditionally used to support the emotional heart, promoting balance for those experiencing grief and sadness.
iv. Balanced lungs:- With its affinity for the chest, arjuna can balance excess kapha and pitta in the lungs for clear, calm breathing.
v. Healthy liver and skin:- Arjuna helps reduce excess pitta in the liver and skin, supporting proper liver function and a healthy, clear complexion.
vi. Comfortable digestion:- When taken as a tea, arjuna has been used to support healthy digestion.11
vii. Healthy reproductive tissues:- Arjuna’s astringency can support healthy and balanced reproductive tissue, known in Ayurveda as shukra dhatu.
Ans.
Foxglove:-Botanical Name:- Digitalis purpurea
Family:- Plantaginaceae
Economic Importance:-
> Nicholas Culpeper included Foxglove in his 1652 herbal medicine guide, The English Physician. He cited its use for healing wounds (both fresh and old), as a purgative, for "the King's Evil" ( mycobacterial cervical lymphadenitis), for "the falling sickness" (epilepsy), and for "a scabby head".
> Digitalis has long been used as a treatment for heart failure in addition to a range of other traditional uses. Digitoxin is a cardiac glycoside used for the treatment of heart failure and certain kinds of heart arrhythmia. It is a phytosteroid and is similar in structure and effects to digoxin, though the effects are longer-lasting.
> Digoxigenin (DIG) is a steroid found in the flowers and leaves of Digitalis species, and is extracted from D. lanata. Digoxigenin can be used as a molecular probe to detect mRNA in situ and label DNA, RNA, and oligonucleotides.
> Depending on the species, the digitalis plant may contain several deadly physiological and chemically related cardiac and steroidal glycosides. Thus, the digitalis plants have earned several, more sinister, names: dead man's bells and witch's gloves. The toxins can be absorbed via the skin or ingestion.
> According to 1981 speculation Vincent van Gogh's "Yellow Period" may have been influenced by digitalis, because it had been proposed as a therapy to control epilepsy around this time, and there are two paintings by the artist where the plant is present.
Ans.
Aloe:-
Botanical Name:- Aloe vera
Family:- Liliaceae
Economic Importance:-
> Two substances from Aloe vera – a clear gel and its yellow latex – are used to manufacture commercial products.
> Aloe gel typically is used to make topical medications for skin conditions, such as burns, wounds, frostbite, rashes, psoriasis, cold sores, or dry skin.
> Aloe latex is used individually or manufactured as a product with other ingredients to be ingested for relief of constipation.
> Aloe latex may be obtained in a dried form called resin or as "aloe dried juice".
> There is conflicting evidence regarding whether Aloe vera is effective as a treatment for wounds or burns.
> There is some evidence that topical use of aloe products might relieve symptoms of certain skin disorders, such as psoriasis, acne, or rashes, but topical application may cause an allergic reaction in some people.
> Aloe vera gel is used commercially as an ingredient in yogurts, beverages, and some desserts, but at high or prolonged doses, ingesting aloe latex or whole leaf extract can be toxic. Use of topical aloe vera in small amounts is likely to be safe.
Ans.
Guggul:-
Botanical Name:- Commiphora wightii
Family:- Burseraceae
Economic Importance:-
> Commiphora wightii is sought for its gummy resin, which is harvested from the plant's bark through the process of tapping.
> In India and Pakistan, guggul is cultivated commercially.
> The resin of C. wightii, known as gum guggulu, has a fragrance similar to that of myrrh and is commonly used in incense and perfumes. It is the same product that was known in Hebrew, ancient Greek and Latin sources as bdellium.
> Guggul is used in Ayurveda remedies and it is mentioned in Ayurvedic texts dating back to 600 BC.
> It is often sold as a herbal supplement.
> The gum can be purchased in a loosely packed form called dhoop, an incense from India, which is burned over hot coals. This produces a fragrant, dense smoke. It is also sold in the form of incense sticks and dhoop cones which can be burned directly.
> Commiphora wightii has been a key component in ancient Indian Ayurvedic system of medicine.
> The extract of gum guggul, called gugulipid, guggulipid, or guglipid, has been used in Unani and Ayurvedic medicine, for nearly 3,000 years in India.
> One chemical ingredient in the extract is the steroid guggulsterone, which acts as an antagonist of the farnesoid X receptor, once believed to result in decreased cholesterol synthesis in the liver.
> However, several studies have been published that indicate no overall reduction in total cholesterol occurs using various dosages of guggulsterone and levels of low-density lipoprotein ("bad cholesterol") increased in many people.
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