Neco Model Questions Vol1 2020 Agricultural Science Question 7

Practice essay / theory question 7 from the 2020 Neco Model Questions Vol1 Agricultural Science examination. This question covers Crop Pests .

Neco Model Questions Vol1 2020 Agricultural Science Essay / Theory
Topic: Crop Pests
Question 7 NECO_MODEL_QUESTIONS_VOL1 • 2020 • AGRICULTURAL_SCIENCE • essay

A farmer cultivates maize on 5 hectares. The average yield is 3 tonnes per hectare and the market price of maize is ₦150 per kilogram. During a scouting visit the farmer observes the stem borer (Busseola fusca) and estimates that each larva causes a loss of 0.5 kg of grain. The recommended chemical control is an insecticide costing ₦120 per litre, applied at 2 L ha⁻¹. Labour for spraying is ₦500 per hectare.

Question Parts

( a )
Calculate the Economic Injury Level (EIL) in number of larvae per hectare, i.e. the number of larvae at which the cost of control equals the loss caused.
( b )
If the scouting count shows 8 larvae per hectare, should the farmer apply the insecticide? Justify your answer.
( c )
Outline an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programme for the stem borer that could reduce reliance on chemical control.

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About This Question

This is Neco Model Questions Vol1 2020 Agricultural Science Question 7. It is one of the essay questions from the 2020 Neco Model Questions Vol1 Agricultural Science examination.

The question covers Crop Pests .

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