Q: With reference to Neem tree, consider the following statements:
a) Neem oil can be used as a pesticide to control the proliferation of some species of insects and mites.
b) Neem seeds are used in the manufacture of biofuels and hospital detergents.
c) Neem oil has applications in pharmaceutical industry.
The correct answer is 1 and 3 only.
Azadirachta indica (Neem Tree)
- It is commonly known as neem tree.
- It is a tree in the mahogany family Meliaceae.
- It is easily propagated – both sexually and vegetatively. It can be planted using seeds, seedlings, saplings, root suckers, or tissue culture.
- Neem leaf has various properties such as antibacterial, antiviral, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, antioxidant, and immune upregulation. It is used in the pharmaceutical industry. Hence, Statement 3 is correct.
Neem oil
- It can be used as a pesticide to control the proliferation of some species of insects and mites. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
- It is also used for skin diseases and digestive system disorders.
- It can also be obtained from solvent extraction of the neem seed and this solvent-extracted oil is mostly used for soap manufacturing.
- It can be used as a pesticide to control the proliferation of some species of insects and mites. Neem seeds are used in the manufacture of biofuels and hospital detergents (not any particular source). Hence According to UPSC Official Answer key Statement 2 is not correct.
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