(a) ldentify each of specimens N, O, P and Q. (4 marks)
(b) Determine the plant population per hectare, if one seed of specimens N is sown per hole at a spacing of 60cm x 25cm. (4 marks)
(c) State two reasons for the inclusion of the plant from which specimen N is obtained in crop rotation. (2 marks)
(d) Mention three uses of specimen P. (3 marks)
(e) State two ways by which the activities of specimen Q affect crops (2 marks)
Explanation
a) ldentification of specimens N, O, P and Q Specimens
- N Groundnut seeds
- O Maize seeds/grains
- P Guinea corn seeds/sorghum
- Q- Aphids/aphid
(b) Determination of plant population of specimen
Plant population stand = \(\frac {\text{Area of farmland}} {\text{Feeding area/plant}} \times {\text{plant}}\) =
\(\frac {1 ha}{60cm \times 25cm} \times {1 \text{plant}}\)
OR
\(\frac {10,000m^2} {0.60m \times 0.25m}\) =
\(\frac {10.000m^2} {0.15m^2 } \times {1 \text {plant}}\)
(c) Reasons for the inclusion of the plant from which specimen N is obtained in crop rotation
- For nitrogen fixation
- Controls erosion
- Controls weeds by smothering them
(d) Uses of specimen P (Guinea corn seed)
- Food for human
- Feed for animal
- Production of alcoholic drinks
- Stalk for roofing/staking
- Stalk/Leaves as a source of fuel
- Propagation material
(e) Ways by which the activities of specimen Q (Aphids) affect crops;
- They pierce through the outer tissues of young leaves, stems, and pods, sucking the nutritional sap
- Distortion of leaves
- Defoliation and death of the plant
- Transmission of viral diseases
- Reduction in crop yield
- Reduction of photosynthetic leaf area in crops