UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2021

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

  1. Congress grass
  2. Elephant grass
  3. Lemongrass
  4. Nut grass

Answer

Correct Answer

Lemongrass

Explanation

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon species) yields citronella-type essential oils that repel mosquitoes. Congress grass (Parthenium) is an invasive weed, elephant grass is a fodder/biomass grass, and nut grass (Cyperus rotundus) is a weed.

Topics: biodiversity, economically useful plants, environment, lemongrass as natural mosquito repellent