Answer:
(a) It is possible to induce
mutations artificially in plants through use of chemicals or radiations (like
gamma radiations), and then selecting and using those plants that have the
desirable character as a source in breeding.
This
process is called mutation breeding. In mung bean, resistance to yellow
mosaicvirus and powdery mildew was induced by mutations.
(b) Traditional farming can only yield a
limited biomass, as food for humans and animals. Better management practices
and increase in agricultural land area can increase yield, but only to a
limited extent. Plant breeding as a technology has helped increase production
to a very large extent.
Plant breeding is the purposeful
manipulation of plant species in order to create desired plant types that are
better suited for cultivation, give better yields and are disease resistant.
This technology has given
support to green revolution, which was responsible for not merely meeting the
national requirements in food production, but also helped us to export it.
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