UPSC Prelims 2014 · Question 44 of 100

UPSC Prelims 2014 question on Neem Oil Pesticide Uses

With reference to Neem tree, consider the following statements:

1. Neem oil can be used as a pesticide to control the proliferation of some species of insects and mites.

2. Neem seeds are used in the manufacture of biofuels and hospital detergents.

3. Neem oil has applications in pharmaceutical industry.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3
Show answer

Answer: D. 1, 2 and 3

Verdict

The answer is 1, 2 and 3. Neem oil works as a pesticide, neem seeds feed into biofuel and detergent manufacture, and neem oil has pharmaceutical applications.

Analysis

Statement 1 is CORRECT. Azadirachtin and related compounds in neem oil act as antifeedants and growth disruptors against many insects and mites, which is why neem is the best known Indian biopesticide. Statement 2 is CORRECT. Neem seed oil is used as a feedstock for biodiesel and neem based formulations are used in cleaning and hospital detergent products. Statement 3 is CORRECT. Neem extracts are used in antiseptic, antifungal and dermatological preparations.

Source

Neem industry and peer reviewed literature on neem seed applications.

How to crack it

This is applied reasoning about a plant you already know, not obscure recall. Any non edible oilseed with reasonable yield is a candidate biodiesel feedstock, and any plant with strong antimicrobial folk use is a candidate pharmaceutical source. Test each statement for plausibility against those two general rules before reaching for a specific fact. The all correct answer is uncomfortable but is the right call when no statement contains an absolute or a misplaced technical term.

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