MAHATMA PHULE KRISHI VIDYAPEETH, RAHURI

SEMESTER END THEORY EXAMINATION

[Link]. (Agri)

Semester : VI (New) Term : VI Academic year : 2021-22

Course No. : ELE SSAC-364 Title : Agrochemicals
Credits : 3(2+1)
Day & Date : Time (hrs) : 9.00 to 12.00 Total marks : 80

MODEL ANSWERS
Q.1 a. Define fertilizers. Classify the nitrogenous fertilizers with suitable examples.
Answer : Fertilizers- Any organic or inorganic material of natural or synthetic origin (1)
added to a soil to supply certain element essential for plant growth.
Classification of nitrogenous fertilizers: (3)
-
1. Nitrate fertilizers: Nitrogen is an in oxidized form i.e. NO3 - N e.g.
Sodium nitrate – 16% N and Calcium nitrate – 15.5% N
2. Ammonaical fertilizers: Nitrogen is in reduced form i.e. NH4+ – N
e.g. Ammonium sulphate- 20 % N , Ammonium chloride – 26% N and
Anhydrous ammonia – 82 % N
3. Ammonaical and nitrate fertilizers: Nitrogen is in the form of NH4+ -
N and NO3- -N
e.g. Ammonium nitrate – 34 % N , Calcium ammonium nitrate– 26 % N
and Ammonium sulphate nitrate- 26% N
4. Amide fertilizers: Organic nitrogenous fertilizers nitrogen in amide
(NH2) form
e.g. Urea- 46%N , Calcium cynamide- 21 % N
Q.1 b. Describe the management practices of phosphatic fertilizers in soil.
Answer: Management of phosphatic fertilizers: (4)
1. Water soluble phosphatic (WSP) fertilizers are suitable for slightly acidic,
neutral or alkaline soils.
2. WSP fertilizers are applied to soils when crop requires a quick start.
3. WSP fertilizers are suitable for short duration crops like paddy, wheat, jowar,
ragi, maize, soybeans, cabbage, cauliflower, potato, gram & Vegetable crops.
4. Citrate soluble phosphatic fertilizers are suitable for moderately acidic soils,
long duration crops like sugarcane, tapioca, tea, coffee, legume & pastures.
5. Insoluble phosphatic fertilizers are suitable for the soil which is strongly to
extremely acidic & long duration fruits crops.
6. SSP should be applied to the soil just before sowing in single dose.
7. SSP is unsuitable for top-dressing due to slow mobility for short duration crops
and it should not be used in acidic soils.
Q.2 a. Explain secondary nutrients and give sources of calcium fertilizers.
Answer: Calcium, magnesium and sulphur are the examples of secondary nutrients. They (1)
are called “secondary” nutrients because plants require them in smaller quantities
than major nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium).
Sources of fertilizers for Calcium : (3)
Name of fertilizers Ca (%)
 Calcium carbonate (Limestone) 40
Calcium oxide (Quick lime) 71.5
Calcium Sulphate 88
Dicalcium phosphate (Unhydrous) 29.5
Bone meal 30
Rock phosphate (Fluro apatite) 35
Calcium nitrate 18.5
Calcium ammonium nitrate 6
Q.2 b. Define micronutrients and write the effects of micronutrients on crop growth.
Answer: Micronutrients: Micronutrients are the chemical elements necessary only in (1)
extremely small amount (usually less than 50 ppm in plants) for growth of
plants.
Effects of micronutrients on crop growth : (3)
1. Increase the yield and quality of crop
2. Enhances the rate of photosynthesis
3. Essential for the synthesis of amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates
lignin and nucleic acids
4. Essential nutrients for life & growth of plants.
5. Help in synthesis of vitamins.
6. Act as a co-factor for enhancing the activity of enzymes
7. Aid in keeping another element in reduced or oxidized state.
8. Increase the resistance to diseases.
9. Interact with secondary and major plant nutrients.
10. Directly influence the activity of micro organisms.
11. Excess of micronutrients may create toxicity in plants.
Q.3 a. Define biofertilizer. Write the different types of biofertilizers with suitable
example.
Answer: Biofertilizers: (1)
Generally they are defined as the preparations containing live or latent cells of
efficient strains of nitrogen fixing phosphate solubilising or cellulolytic
microorganisms used for the application to seed, soil or composting areas with
an objective of increasing numbers of such micro-organisms and to accelerate
certain microbial processes to augment the extent of availability of nutrients in a
form which can be easily assimilated by plants.
Types of bio- fertilizers- (3)
1.
Symbiotic nitrogen fixers:
e.g. a. Azolla (fern) with algae (Anabaena) fixes 100-150 Kg N ha -1 yr -1
b. Rhizobium – legume association 100 -130 kg N ha -1 yr -1
2. Non symbiotic nitrogen fixing micro organisms:
a. Aerobic – e.g. Azotobacter – 3-15 kg N ha -1 yr -1
b. Anaerobic – e.g. Clostridium, Chlorobium.
3. Mycorrhizae- Symbiotic association of fungi with roots of vesicular plants
which assist in the uptake of phosphate
4. Azospirillum- Azospirillium colonize root zone of cereal crops and fix
nitrogen.
5. Sulphur oxidizing microorganism:
Bacteria – Thiobacillus & Beggiatoa,
 Actinomycetes- Aspergillus and Penicillum
6. Phosphate solubilizing microorganism :
Bacteria – Bacillus megaterium, and Pseudomonous
Fungi- Azospirillum and Penicillum
Q.3 b. Classify the insecticides on the basis of chemical nature with suitable example.
Answer: Classification of the insecticides on the basis of chemical nature (4)
a. Inorganic – Ex. arsenates, fluorides compounds.
b. Organic insecticides.
i) Oils and soaps – Petroleum products
ii) Plant origin – Nicotine, Geraniol, pyrethrum and Rotenon.
iii) Synthetic
[Link] hydrocarbons -DDT, HCH, Heptachlor, aldrin etc.
b. Organophosphorus -Malathion, parathion and phosphamidon
c. Carbonate insecticides – Carboryl, carbofuran.
d. Pyrethoids – Allethrin, permethrin, Deltamethrin.
e. Miscellaneous Insecticides – Karathane, DNOC.
Q.4 a. Give the general properties and mode of action of organochlorine insecticides.
Answer: General Properties of organochlorine insecticide : (2)
1. Organochlorine insecticide contains C,H,O and Cl
2. They are having chlorinated carbon cycle ring.
3. Organochlorine insecticides are chemically stable.
4. Polarity and lipophilicity-low soluble in water but they have strong lipophidic
character hence accumulated in biolipid and produce ill effect on kideney and
liver.
5. They are basically hydrogenated carbon.
6. Do not cause immediate toxicity (chronic toxicity)
7. Long residue toxicity
8. Act as stimulants of central nerves system.
Mode of action: (2)
Chlorinated hydrocarbons are neurotoxicants. Their application causes
inhibition or inactivation in the functioning of Na- K ATPase and Ca-ATPase
enzymes which are required for proper a balance of Na and K in axon. The
imbalance of these enzymes results in prevention of normal transmission of nerve
impulse in insects and mammals. The imbalance of the enzymes ATPase and Ca-
ATPase causing muscles to twist, this may lead to convulsion and death.
Q.4 b. Write the characteristics and advantages of complex fertilizer.
Answer: Characteristics of complex fertilizers: (2)
1. High analysis fertilizers
2. Have uniform grain size
3. Cheaper on the basis of nutrient content per Kg.
4. Transport and distribution cost is less
5. Safe for storage
6. Desirable as these contains balanced nutrient for applications.
7. Non caking and non- hygroscopic
Advantages: (2)
1. Easy application
 2. Balanced crop nutrition
3. High fertilizer efficiency
4. Even distribution of nutrients
5. Saving of labor and time
6. Safe for storage.
Q.5 a. Give the occurrence and mode of action of nicotine plant origin insecticide.
Answer: Occurance and mode of plant originated insecticides:
1. Nicotine – (1)
Occurrence: occurs from Solanaceous genera plant i.e. Tobacco
Mode of action: Contact insecticide and fumigant enters in insect through (3)
spiracle in tracheal system. It is automatic blocking agent and acts like acetyl
choline but only at ganglia and neuro muscular junctions, initially stimulating
then depressing, later on convulsion and paralysis and death.
Q.5 b. Define herbicide. Write in brief the general mode of action of herbicides.
Answer: Herbicide: (1)
A herbicide in the broadest sense of word is any compound that is capable of
either killing or severely injuring plants and may thus be used for elimination of
plant growth or killing of plant parts. (3)
General mode of action of herbicides.
1) Photosynthetic poisons
a) Interfere with Hill’s reaction – In photolysis of water here is evolution of
oxygen which is interfered by herbicides like triazines, carbamates, urea
derivatives then interference will dead to no supply of oxygen.
b) Some interference in Electron transport chain – herbicides like paraquat,
diquat, Bipyrillidium, after several stages ……….
2) Those interfere with cellulor metabolisms – herbicides lil 2-4-D, phenoxy
acids and benzoic acid series results in to an controlled growth leading to
collapse of xylem, phloemce and plant die.
3) Interference in the protein metabolism – herbicides like butachlor interfere in
protein metabolisum resulting in stunted root growth there by shortening of
stem, etc and plant may die.
4) Uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation – herbicides like DNOC, MSMA
and even arsenic containing herbicides inter in the oxidative phosphorylation
process and there is no format of ATP. Plant does not set emerge and it dies.
Q. 6 a. Write in brief on storage and handling of NPK fertilizers.
Answer: Handling and storage of fertilizers. (4)
Fertilizers differ in their ability to become moist or hygroscopic, as such they
have to be handled during rainy season.
Main features from storage point of view are as below
i. Ammonium chloride :Excellent, no difficulty in storage and handling
ii. Ammonium nitrate: Storage properties satisfactory but fertilizer is
hygroscopic. So bags are firmly tied. As it is fire hazardous handle carefully.
It is bagged in polythene lined jute bags as it is hygroscopic.
iii. Urea : Storage properties satisfactory. Hygroscopic, store in polythene lined
jute bags in dry place.
 iv. Ammonium sulphate and sodium nitrate : Storage properties good, no
difficulties in handling & storage.
Phosphatic fertilizers:
1) Single super phosphate:
i) It contains small amount of acid. which deteriorate gunny bags, hence it
should be stored in polythelene lined gunny bags.
ii) Cakes formation in moist condition.
2) Dicalcium phosphate - Excellent physical condition.
Potassic fertilizers:
Potassium sulphate and Potassium chloride: Excellent physical condition for
storage and handling.
Protect all fertilizer bags from moisture, water and rains. Protect bags
against excessive sunshine .and heat by making use to shade of trees structures
and covers.
Q.6 b. Write the procedure of preparation of Bordeaux mixture.
Answer: Bordeaux mixture (4)
The mixture of copper sulphate and lime was named as “Bouillie
Bordelaise” (Bordeaux Mixture).
Preparation of one percent Bordeaux mixture:
• One kg of copper sulphate is powdered and dissolved in 50 litres of water.
• Similarly, 1 kg of lime is powdered and dissolved in another 50 litres of water.
• Copper sulphate solution is slowly added to lime solution with constant stirring
or alternatively, both the solutions may be poured simultaneously to a third
contained and mixed well.
• The ratio of copper sulphate to lime solution determines the pH of the mixture.
The mixture prepared in the above said ratio gives neutral or alkaline mixture.
• If the quality of the lime used is inferior, the mixture may become acidic.
• If the mixture is acidic, it contains free copper which is highly phytotoxic
resulting in scorching of the plants.
• Therefore, it is highly essential to test the presence of free copper in the mixture
before applied.
• The pH neutralized by adding some more lime solution into the mixture.
• The solution should be prepared in earthen or wooden or plastic vessels.
• Avoid using metal containers for the preparation, as it is corrosive to metallic
vessels
• Always copper sulphate solution should be added to the lime solution, reverse
the addition leads to precipitation of copper and resulted suspension is least toxic.
• Bordeaux mixture should be prepared fresh every time before spraying.

Q.7 a. Define fungicides and give the structure and properties of thirum.
Fungicide: Chemicals that have the ability to reduce or prevent the damage (1)
caused by fungi in plants and their products .
Thiram: C6H12N2S4
Structure of Thirum (1)
 Properties of thiram:
(2)
• It is a type of sulfur fungicide.
• It is soluble in chloroform, acetone, and ether.
• It is available as dust, flowable, wettable powder, water dispersible granules,
and water suspension formulations and in mixtures with other fungicides.
Thiram is nearly immobile in clay soils or in soils of high organic matter.
• It is not expected to contaminate groundwater because of its in-soil half life
of 15 days and tendency to stick to soil particles.
Q.7 b. Define agrochemicals. Write the types of pesticides used in agriculture with
suitable example.
Answer: Agrochemicals :
The chemicals used in agriculture to maintain or to increase the crop (1)
production.
Types of pesticides :
1) Acaricides - Control of ticks and mites e.g. Sulphur and lime sulphur. (3)
2) Algicides - Control of algae and other aquatic vegetation e.g. Copper
sulphate.
3) Antiseptics - Non metal from microorganisms e.g. Phenol, mercuric
chlorosis.
4) Arboricides - Undesirable arborell (vegetative part) and bushy vegetation e.g.
Sulphuric acid, copper sulphate.
5) Bactericides - Control of bacteria and bacterial diseases e.g. Penicillin,
streptomycin.
6) Fungicides - Plant diseases caused by various fungi e.g. Bordeux mixture,
thiram.
7) Herbicides - Control of weeds e.g. 2,4-D, 2,4,5-T, diurea.
8) Insecticides - Control of harmful insects e.g. Endosulphan, carboryl.
9) Molluscides - Soft bodies insects like snails and slug. e.g. Metal dehyde.
10) Nematicides - Control of nematodes e.g. Methyl bromide and other
fumigants.
11) Rodenticides - Control of rodents e.g. Zinc phosphide
Q.8 a. Write the mode of action of Pyrethrin and Carbamate insecticides
Answer: i) Mode of action of Pyrethrin : Quick knock down action of induction of (2)
temporary paralysis. The symptoms follow the typical pattern of nerve poison.
Pyrethrum affect central nervous system interfering the Na+ and K+ ionic
potential.
ii) Mode of action of Carbamates : Carbamate insecticides affects the enzyme (2)
choline esterase, which is responsible for removal of acetyl choline present in
synapse (gap between nerve cell). This results in to continuous transmission
of nerve impulses and loss of coordination of nerves and other organs, giving
rise to rapid twisting of voluntary muscles and finally paralysis of vital organs
including lungs. Thus, failure of respiration due to paralysis of lungs is the
main cause of death.
Q.8 b. Explain the degradation of pesticide and give the different methods to reduce the
pesticide impact.
Answer: Degradation or Breakdown Processes of pesticide : (2)
Degradation is the process of pesticide breakdown after application.
Pesticides are broken down by microbes, chemical reactions, and light or
photodegradation. This process may take anywhere from hours or days to years,
depending on environmental conditions and the chemical characteristics of the
pesticide.
Microbial breakdown is the breakdown of chemicals by microorganisms such
as fungi and bacteria.
Chemical breakdown is the breakdown of pesticides by chemical reactions in
the soil.
Photo-degradation : It is the breakdown of pesticides by sunlight. All pesticides
are susceptible to photo-degradation to some extent.
Ways to Minimize Pesticide Impact : (2)
1. Integrated Pest Management
2. Prevent back siphoning and spills
3. Consider weather and irrigation plans
4. Pesticide use and storage
5. Dispose of pesticide and chemical wastes safely
6. Leave buffer zones around sensitive areas
7. Reduce off-target
8. Maintain all application equipment in good working order and
calibrate it regularly.
Q.9 a. Define pesticide residue and explain in brief the steps involved in determination
of pesticide residue.
Answer: Pesticide residue: It refers to the pesticides that may remain on or in food after
they are applied to food crops. OR (1)
Any substance or mixture of substances in food for man or animals resulting
from the use of a pesticide and includes any specified derivatives, such as
degradation and conversion products, metabolites, reaction products, and
impurities that are considered to be of toxicological significance
Steps involved in determination of residue (3)
Collection of sample–
 • Collect a total sample approximating 10 kg by sampling a minimum of 10
samples of 1 kg selected at random.
• For large individual items (1 kg or more) such as fish, melons, cabbage heads,
cauliflower, pineapple etc. collect a total composite of 10 sub samples taking
only one unit from each of 10 different shipping containers or locations in the
lot.
Separation of sample :
•Liquid foods are reasonably homogeneous,
• Solid and semi-solid foods are most always heterogeneous.
• Liquids are advised to bring back to room temperature before sub
sampling.
• Liquid food (e.g. milk) be well mixed or shaken before subsampling.
• Semi-solid foods like many canned foods are separated using a sieve
or filter and individually mixed for subsampling.
Processing : The well equipped food analysis laboratory should have a variety
of sample preparation equipment. Use of dry ice is recommended for volatile and
unstable molecules during extraction. For fatty foods, hand chopping and mixing
may be the best procedure. Dry foods can generally be milled, while moist foods
can be chopped, minced or ground. Very moist and liquid foods can be blended.
Clean-up Techniques : Cleanup refers removal of interfering co-extractives by
physical or chemical methods. The removal of interfering co- extractives from
extract is called clean up.
Extraction: Separation of pesticide residues from the matrix by using solvent.
Quantitatively removal of pesticides form matrix (high efficiency), do not cause
chemical change in pesticide, inexpensive and easily cleaned apparatus is
utilized.
Q.9 b. Enlist the methods of herbicide application and explain foliar application of
herbicide in detail.
Answer: Different methods of herbicide application (4)
1. Soil application of herbicides:
i) Surface application
ii) Subsurface application
iii) Band application
iv) Fumigation
v) Herbigation
2. Foliar application
i) Blanket spray
ii) Directed spray
iii) Protected spray
iv) Spot treatment

Foliar application of herbicide

i. Blanket spray: It is the uniform application of herbicides to standing crops
without considering the location of the crop. Only highly selective herbicides are
used here e.g. Spraying 2,4-Ethyl Ester to rice three weeks after transplanting.
ii. Directed spray: It is the application of herbicides on weeds in between rows
of crops by directing the spray only on weeds avoiding the crop. This could be
 possible by use of protective shield or hood. For example, spraying of glyphosate
in between rows of tapioca using hood to control Cyperus rotundus.
iii. Protected spray: It is a method of applying non-selective herbicides on
weeds by covering the crops which are wide spaced with polyethylene covers etc.
This is expensive and laborious. However, farmers are using this technique for
spraying glyphosate to control weeds in jasmine, cassava, banana.
iv. Spot treatment: It is usually done on small areas having serious weed
infestation to kill it and to prevent its spread. Rope wick applicator and Herbicide
glove are useful here.
Q.10 a. Write the use and mode of action of triazole fungicide.
Answer: Use : (2)
• The triazoles are commonly used in grain crops as curative and preventative
products.
• They are particularly active against most rusts and have good preventative
activity for fusarium head blight on grains.
• They are also effective against powdery mildew and many foliar blights.
Mode of action :
Interfere with biosynthesis of sterols in fungal cell membrane; spore penetration (2)
and mycelial growth. They inhibit the formation of sterols, which are required for
fungal cell wall formation, and thus are effective at preventing hyphal growth.
Q.10 b. Write the chemical nature and use of Benzimidazole fungicide.
Answer: Chemical nature of Benzimidazole fungicides: (4)
Molecular formula: C7H6N2:
• It contains C, H and N
• It is colourless solid
• It is heterocyclic aromatic organic compound
• Its bycyclic compound, view like two fused ring of Banzine and
imadazol
• Molar mass :118.139 g mol-1
• Melting point: 170 to 172 0 C
• Acidic in reaction
• Acidity : pKa = 12.8
• It is condensation product of Phynylenediamine with formic acid or
equivalent to trimethyl orthoformate
Use:
• They can control many ascomycetes and basidiomycetes, but not oomycetes.
• They are applied to cereals, fruits, vegetables and vines, and are also used in
postharvest handling of crops.
• The benzimidazole fungicides benomyl and carbendazim are extensively
used worldwide on a variety of crops (vegetables, fruits, nuts, cereals, cotton,
ornamentals, mushrooms, and others) for numerous fungal diseases.
SECTION “B”
Q.11 Do as directed (8)
1. The biuret content in urea should not exceed 1.5 per cent as per FCO standard.
 2. Give an example of high analysis fertilizer. (Urea, DAP, MOP, SOP and
fertilizers having more than 30 % nutrients)
3. The total effect of a combination of components is smaller than the effect of
the most active component applied alone is called as antagonistic effect .
4. The disorder ‘methaemoglobinaemia’ or ‘blue baby disease’ in young infants
is due to excess concentration of NO3- (Nitrate) in drinking water.
5. The use of insecticide phorate was completely banned with effect from 31st
December, 2020.
6. A material that improves the emulsifying, dispersing, spreading, wetting, or
other properties of a liquid by modifying its surface characteristics is called
as surfactant
7. The Insecticide act was passed by the Government of India in the year 1968.
8. Soils with high in clay content require more soil-applied herbicide than sandy
soils for weed control. (True OR False) : True
Q.12 Match the pairs (8)
‘A’ ‘B’
1. Chelate a) Rock-phosphate
2. Insect growth regulator (IGR) b) Magnesium
3. Rodenticide c) Sunlight
4. Selective herbicide d) Monoammonium phosphate
5. Insoluble phosphate e) Zinc phosphide
6. Secondary nutrient f) Nylar
7. Water soluble fertilizer g) 2,4-D
8. Photodegradation h) DTPA

Answers
1 h 2 f 3 e 4 G
5 a 6 b 7 d 8 C