Gce Model Questions Vol1 2022 Agricultural Science Question 7

A farmer cultivates 5 hectares of maize. The average potential yield is 4 tonnes per hectare and the market price is ₦200 per kilogram. During the growing season the farmer observes an outbreak of the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda). If the pest is left uncontrolled, a 30 % reduction in yield is expected. The farmer is considering two control options: • Chemical control using a synthetic insecticide. The cost of the insecticide is ₦12 000 per hectare and the cost of application is ₦3 000 per hectare. The insecticide is reported to give a 90 % reduction in the damage caused by the armyworm. • Biological control using a Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) formulation. The cost of the Bt product is ₦8 000 per hectare. The Bt formulation gives an 80 % reduction in damage. Using this information, answer the following: