With reference to agriculture in India, how can the technique of ‘genome sequencing’, often seen in the news, be used in the immediate future?
1. Genome sequencing can be used to identify genetic markers for disease resistance and drought tolerance in various crop plants.
2. This technique helps in reducing the time required to develop new varieties of crop plants.
3. It can be used to decipher the host-pathogen relationships in crops.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Statement 1 is correct. Genome sequencing can help identify specific genes or genetic markers associated with desirable traits like disease resistance and drought tolerance in crop plants, which can then be used for selective breeding and genetic improvement. Statement 2 is correct. Genome sequencing can accelerate the process of developing new crop varieties by providing a better understanding of the genetic makeup and facilitating more targeted breeding programs, thereby reducing the time required for varietal development. Statement 3 is correct. Genome sequencing can help researchers understand the genetic interactions between crop plants and their pathogens, which can aid in developing better strategies for disease management and resistance. Therefore, all the statements regarding the use of genome sequencing in agriculture in the immediate future are correct.