Q21 · UPSC Prelims 2021 · Set A · Environment and Ecology

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Which one of the following is used in preparing a natural mosquito repellent?

A Congress grass
B Elephant grass
C Lemongrass
D Nut grass

Correct answer: (c) Lemongrass

Explanation

  1. A

    Congress grass

    Congress grass. Parthenium; an invasive weed, not the citronella-type repellent.

  2. B

    Elephant grass

    Elephant grass. Napier fodder.

  3. C

    Lemongrass

    Lemongrass. Citronella/citral oil; a natural mosquito repellent.

  4. D

    Nut grass

    Nut grass. Cyperus; a weed.

Summary. Official key is (c) lemongrass. Cymbopogon oils (citronella, citral) are the household natural mosquito repellent. The other three are grasses of other uses or weeds.