Read the following paragraph and answer the given questions. Bio-fertilisers are organisms that enrich the nutrient quality of the soil like cyanobacteria, while there are organisms that help to control plant diseases and pests. The very familiar beetle, the ladybird and dragonflies are useful to get rid of aphids and mosquitoes, respectively. An example of microbial biocontrol agents that can be introduced to control butterfly caterpillars is certain bacteria, which are available in sachets in the form of dry spores. These spores are mixed with water and sprayed onto vulnerable plants. Trichoderma species that are very common in the root ecosystem, are very effective biocontrol agents of several plant pathogens. Baculoviruses attack insects and other arthropods. Usage of these viruses is desirable when an ecological sensitive area is being treated. |
Find the odd one out of the given organisms? |
Dragonflies Nostoc Oscillatoria Anabaena |
Dragonflies |
The correct answer is Option (1) → Dragonflies Cyanobacteria are autotrophic microbes widely distributed in aquatic and terrestrial environments many of which can fix atmospheric nitrogen, e.g. Anabaena, Nostoc, Oscillatoria, etc. In paddy fields, cyanobacteria serve as an important biofertiliser. Blue green algae also add organic matter to the soil and increase its fertility. Currently, in our country, a number of biofertilisers are available commercially in the market and farmers use these regularly in their fields to replenish soil nutrients and to reduce dependence on chemical fertilisers. In agriculture, there is a method of controlling pests that relies on natural predation rather than introduced chemicals. The very familiar beetle with red and black markings – the Ladybird, and Dragonflies are useful to get rid of aphids and mosquitoes. |