Neco Model Questions Vol1 2020 Agricultural Science Question 1

Practice practical question 1 from the 2020 Neco Model Questions Vol1 Agricultural Science examination. This question covers Agricultural Ecology .

Neco Model Questions Vol1 2020 Agricultural Science Practical
Topic: Agricultural Ecology
Question 1 NECO_MODEL_QUESTIONS_VOL1 • 2020 • AGRICULTURAL_SCIENCE • practical

A farmer wishes to evaluate the effect of intercropping maize (Zea mays) with cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) on the incidence of the stem‑borer pest (Chilo partellus) in a smallholder field.

Question Parts

( a )
Propose a practical experimental layout that will allow a reliable comparison between sole‑maize and maize‑cowpea intercropping. State the number of replicates, approximate plot size for each replicate and the variables that must be measured.
( b )
During the 8‑week observation period the following numbers of stem‑borer larvae were recorded per plot: - Sole‑maize plots (average of 3 replicates): 48, 52, 55 - Intercropped plots (average of 3 replicates): 30, 28, 32 Calculate the percentage reduction in mean stem‑borer infestation in the intercropped system relative to sole‑maize.
( c )
List two possible sources of error that could affect the reliability of the results and suggest one method to minimise each.

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About This Question

This is Neco Model Questions Vol1 2020 Agricultural Science Question 1. It is one of the practical questions from the 2020 Neco Model Questions Vol1 Agricultural Science examination.

The question covers Agricultural Ecology .

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