(a) Discuss the cultivation of Citrus spp under the following headings:
(i) Method of propagation
(ii) Spacing in the field
(iii) Nursery practices
(iv) Pests
(v) Diseases.
(b) Define the following terms:
(i) Surface irrigation
(ii) Surface drainage.
(c) Discuss three advantages of each of the following terms:
(i) Surface irrigation
(ii) Surface drainage.
Explanation
(a) Discussion on the cultivation of Citrus spp
(i) Method of propagation- Seed - Budding- Grafting
(ii) Spacing in the field-7.Om x7.0m - 8.0m x 8.0m
(iii) Nursery practices- Weeding - Watering - Shading - Budding/Grafting of seedlings
(iv) Pests- Thrips - Scale insects -Red mites - Mealy bugs - Capsid bugs - Fruit borer - Caterpillar Aphids - Coreid bugs - citrus moths
(v) Diseases- Tristeza/dieback - Gummos scab - Root-rot- Damping-off - Black spot
(b) Definition of terms
(i) Surface irrigation This is the artificial application of water to the surface of the soil for utilization by crops
(ii) Surface drainage This is the superficial removal of excess water from the soil surface.
(c) Advantages of terms
(i) Surface irrigation
- Washes out and dilutes excess salts in the soil
- Cheap to construct/low cost
- Low labour requirement
- Easy to construct
- Used in sloppy land
- Easy to manage/practice
- Effective use of rainwater at nature friendly.
(ii) Surface drainage
- Easy to practice
- Cheap to practice
- Cheap to maintain
- Enhances seed germination
- Enhances microbial activities in the soil
- Regulates o soil pH
- Facilitates early planting
- Protects soil from water logging
- Improves soil aeration
- Improves/ increases soil temperatüre
- Easy tillage operation
- Reclaims land for agriculture
- Removes excess salt
- prevents toxicity of plants.