Question 1
RBI Grade B 2025 English
Read the following passage and answer the given questions.
Dr. Choudhry, a noted scientist, has developed a groundbreaking report on plant diseases that brings clarity to how viruses, fungi, and termites invade fields and orchards. The study begins with a field survey in which samples were carefully collected from leaves, roots, and stems. In the lab, each sample was placed in controlled conditions to map the life cycles of the culprits and track the paths of infection. The report explains that viruses hijack cell machinery, fungi build threadlike networks that block water flow, and termites carve silent tunnels that weaken stems and expose plants to secondary attacks.
The analysis also explores what these organisms eat and why that diet matters. Viral particles need living cells rich in sugars and amino acids. Many fungi prefer moist tissues where starch reserves are high. Termites target cellulose, turning woody or fibrous parts into easy channels. By connecting food preference with microclimate data, the report shows why early rains, dense planting, and poor air circulation often set the stage for outbreaks. Dr. Choudhry then zeroed in on the speeds at which these enemies evolve. Rapid mutation allows viruses ___________ plant defenses. Fungi swap genetic material through spores, expanding their range. Termite colonies reorganize quickly, shifting attack sites when obstacles appear.
The damage, the report warns, is not just visible wilt or rot. It reduces nutrient transport, distorts flowering, and shortens fruiting windows. Left unchecked, even low-level infections can spoil harvest timing and market quality. To move from diagnosis to defense, Dr. Choudhry designed an integrated protection plan. It combines hygiene, soil health, and targeted biological control. The centerpiece is a novel plant vaccine derived from harmless protein fragments that train plant immunity to recognize common viral and fungal signatures. Field trials show faster signaling in treated plants, limiting replication and reducing lesion size. For termites, the plan pairs root-zone barriers with odor cues that divert foraging lines away from crops.
The report closes with practical guidance for growers. Space rows for airflow, prune regularly, and monitor nutrient balance. Rotate plots to disrupt fungal reservoirs. Inspect for termite mud tubes after rains. Use the vaccine at the seedling stage and repeat before peak humidity. With these steps, farms can cut losses, stabilize yields, and protect biodiversity. Dr. Choudhry’s work turns scattered observations into a coherent shield for modern agriculture.
What is the central innovation in Dr. Choudhry’s integrated protection plan as described in the report?
