Waec Model Questions Vol1 2024 Agricultural Science Question 7

Practice essay / theory question 7 from the 2024 Waec Model Questions Vol1 Agricultural Science examination. This question covers Crop Pests .

Waec Model Questions Vol1 2024 Agricultural Science Essay / Theory
Topic: Crop Pests
Question 7 WAEC_MODEL_QUESTIONS_VOL1 • 2024 • AGRICULTURAL_SCIENCE • essay

A farmer in the savanna zone cultivates maize on a 2.5 ha field. The major pest observed is the stem borer (Busseola fusca). Each infested plant yields on average 0.4 kg less grain than a healthy plant, whose average yield is 0.5 kg per plant. The field contains approximately 80 000 plants per hectare.

Question Parts

( a )
If 12 % of the plants are infested, estimate the total loss in kilograms of grain due to the stem borer.
( b )
The farmer intends to apply a synthetic insecticide that must be mixed at a rate of 0.75 L of concentrate per hectare and then diluted to a total spray volume of 200 L per hectare. The concentrate contains 250 g of active ingredient per litre. Calculate the total amount (in grams) of active ingredient that will be applied to the whole 2.5 ha field.
( c )
Discuss three cultural or biological control methods that could be incorporated into an integrated pest‑management (IPM) programme for stem borer, and explain how each method reduces the pest population.
( d )
Explain two mechanisms by which insects develop resistance to insecticides and suggest one management practice that can delay the onset of resistance in stem borer populations.

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About This Question

This is Waec Model Questions Vol1 2024 Agricultural Science Question 7. It is one of the essay questions from the 2024 Waec Model Questions Vol1 Agricultural Science examination.

The question covers Crop Pests .

View More Waec Model Questions Vol1 2024 Agricultural Science Questions More Waec Model Questions Vol1 Practice Questions Back to Questions

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