Neco 2024 Agricultural Science Question 8

Practice essay / theory question 8 from the 2024 Neco Agricultural Science examination. This question covers Plant Diseases .

Neco 2024 Agricultural Science Essay / Theory
Topic: Plant Diseases
Question 8 NECO • 2024 • AGRICULTURAL_SCIENCE • essay

A smallholder cultivates tomatoes in a semi‑arid zone of northern Nigeria. During the rainy season, several plants show typical symptoms of fungal diseases.

Question Parts

( a )
Name two common fungal diseases of tomato in Nigeria and, for each, identify the primary inoculum and the environmental conditions that favour infection.
( b )
In a field survey of 40 tomato plants, 12 plants exhibit early‑blight symptoms. The average severity rating (on a 1–5 scale) for the affected plants is 3.2. (i) Calculate the disease incidence (%). (ii) Compute the disease severity index (DSI) using the formula DSI = (Σ severity ratings)/(Maximum rating × Total plants) × 100.
( c )
A schematic diagram shows the infected field at the centre surrounded by three concentric zones representing increasing distance from the source. Explain how prevailing wind direction and distance influence secondary infection in the outer zones, and recommend one cultural practice that can limit this spread.
( d )
Compare the use of resistant tomato varieties with crop rotation as strategies for managing soil‑borne fungal pathogens such as *Fusarium* wilt. Include specific advantages and limitations of each approach.

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About This Question

This is Neco 2024 Agricultural Science Question 8. It is one of the essay questions from the 2024 Neco Agricultural Science examination.

The question covers Plant Diseases .

View More Neco 2024 Agricultural Science Questions More Neco Practice Questions Back to Questions

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