Option-wise explanation of statements

• A. “Genotypic/phenotypic variation in the desired trait should be available in the germplasm resources of the crop plant.” – Correct

  • Breeding needs genetic variability to select from; if all germplasm is uniform, selection cannot improve the trait.

  • So A is a correct statement.

• B. “Availability of molecular markers linked to the trait of interest would decelerate the process of trait introgression into desired varieties.” – Incorrect

  • Marker‑assisted selection (MAS) and marker‑assisted backcrossing speed up (accelerate) introgression by allowing early, precise selection of plants carrying the desired allele without waiting for phenotyping.

  • Saying “decelerate” is opposite of reality, so B is incorrect.

• C. “Breeding procedures to improve plant varieties are generally more successful among sexually compatible species as compared to sexually incompatible species.” – Correct

  • Conventional crossing and recombination work best when parents are sexually compatible; with incompatible species, breeders must use wide‑cross techniques, embryo rescue, bridge crosses, or biotechnology, which is harder and less efficient.

  • So C is correct.

• D. “Co-dominant molecular markers cannot be used for selection of plants with the desired trait.” – Incorrect

  • Co-dominant markers (e.g., SSRs, SNPs) are actually ideal for selection because they distinguish homozygotes and heterozygotes, allowing precise tracking of alleles during breeding.

  • Therefore, the statement that they “cannot be used” is wrong.

Correct answer

• Incorrect statements: B and D

• Thus, the correct MCQ option is (4) B and D.