Question

India's wheat yielding revolution in the $1960s$ was possible primarily due to

• A. Hybrid seeds
• B. Increased chlorophyll content
• C. Mutations resulting in plant height reduction
• D. Quantitative trait mutations

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The question pertains to the wheat yielding revolution in India during the 1960s, commonly referred to as the Green Revolution. Let's analyze the given options and understand why "Mutations resulting in plant height reduction" was key to this revolution.

1. During the 1960s, India faced severe food shortages, prompting the need for substantial improvements in agricultural productivity, particularly in staple crops like wheat.
2. The introduction of high-yielding varieties (HYVs) of wheat played a crucial role in the Green Revolution. One of the most remarkable modifications in these new wheat strains was the incorporation of "dwarfing" genes.
3. Dwarfing genes were responsible for significant changes in wheat plants, including:
   • Reduced plant height: Shorter plants were less prone to lodging (falling over), even with the application of nitrogen-rich fertilizers that were critical for high yields.
   • Improved plant robustness and resource allocation: With reduced height, the plant effectively utilized its nutrients, ensuring more energy was directed towards grain production rather than stem growth.
4. The dwarf wheat varieties, spearheaded by scientists such as Dr. Norman Borlaug, incorporated these genetic modifications, primarily through breeding programs rather than genetic engineering.
5. Now, let's evaluate the other options:
   • Hybrid seeds: While hybrid seed technology enhances agricultural productivity, the Green Revolution in India's case focused more on genetic mutations through breeding practices.
   • Increased chlorophyll content: There is no significant documented evidence that this was a focus or driving factor during the initial stages of the Green Revolution.
   • Quantitative trait mutations: While quantitative traits do contribute to yield improvements, the cornerstone of the Green Revolution was the specific introduction of dwarf traits.
6. Therefore, the incorporation of mutations that resulted in reduced plant height was the primary factor enabling the Green Revolution by allowing more effective fertilizer use and higher yields.

Thus, the correct answer is: Mutations resulting in plant height reduction.