Neco Model Questions Vol1 2018 Agricultural Science Question 7

Practice essay / theory question 7 from the 2018 Neco Model Questions Vol1 Agricultural Science examination. This question covers Crop Pests .

Neco Model Questions Vol1 2018 Agricultural Science Essay / Theory
Topic: Crop Pests
Question 7 NECO_MODEL_QUESTIONS_VOL1 • 2018 • AGRICULTURAL_SCIENCE • essay

A farmer in the northern savanna zone cultivates maize on 5 ha. During the early vegetative stage he notices an increase in stem‑borer larvae inside the stalks and a heavy population of aphids on the undersides of leaves. The market price of maize is ₦150 per kilogram and the farmer expects a yield of 5 tonnes per hectare. The cost of applying an appropriate insecticide to control the stem borer is estimated at ₦5 000 per hectare. Each stem‑borer larva is estimated to cause a loss of 0.5 kg of grain per hectare. The farmer wishes to adopt an integrated pest‑management (IPM) approach. Answer the following:

Question Parts

( a )
Identify the two major pests described and outline the key stages in their life cycles that are relevant for timing control measures.
( b )
Using the economic injury level (EIL) concept, calculate the threshold number of stem‑borer larvae per hectare at which control becomes economically justified. Show all steps.
( c )
Propose a concise integrated pest‑management (IPM) programme for the maize crop that combines cultural, biological and chemical control measures for both stem borer and aphids. Justify how each component reduces pest pressure.

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About This Question

This is Neco Model Questions Vol1 2018 Agricultural Science Question 7. It is one of the essay questions from the 2018 Neco Model Questions Vol1 Agricultural Science examination.

The question covers Crop Pests .

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