Neco Model Questions Vol1 2021 Agricultural Science Question 7

Practice essay / theory question 7 from the 2021 Neco Model Questions Vol1 Agricultural Science examination. This question covers Crop Pests .

Neco Model Questions Vol1 2021 Agricultural Science Essay / Theory
Topic: Crop Pests
Question 7 NECO_MODEL_QUESTIONS_VOL1 • 2021 • AGRICULTURAL_SCIENCE • essay

A farmer in the savanna zone cultivates maize on a 5‑hectare field. The field is planted at a spacing of 0.75 m × 0.25 m, giving a plant population of about 53 000 plants per hectare. The crop has been experiencing severe damage from the stem borer (Busseola fusca).

Question Parts

( a )
Describe the life cycle of Busseola fusca and indicate which stage is most vulnerable to control measures.
( b )
Using integrated pest management (IPM), recommend a control programme that includes cultural, biological and chemical measures. For the chemical measure, the recommended insecticide is to be applied at a rate of 2.5 L ha⁻¹ of a formulation that contains 200 g of active ingredient per litre. Calculate the total amount of active ingredient required for the whole 5‑ha field.
( c )
The economic injury level (EIL) for stem borer is estimated at 5 % of plants damaged, each damaged plant causing a loss of 0.25 kg of grain. The market price of maize is ₦120 kg⁻¹ and the cost of the recommended insecticide application (including labour) is ₦15 000. Determine whether the farmer should apply the insecticide now, showing all calculations.

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About This Question

This is Neco Model Questions Vol1 2021 Agricultural Science Question 7. It is one of the essay questions from the 2021 Neco Model Questions Vol1 Agricultural Science examination.

The question covers Crop Pests .

View More Neco Model Questions Vol1 2021 Agricultural Science Questions More Neco Model Questions Vol1 Practice Questions Back to Questions

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