(4ai)
Botanical Name:
The botanical name of rubber is Hevea brasiliensis. This species belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae and is primarily cultivated for its latex, which is processed into natural rubber.
(4aii)
Two Methods of Propagation:
(i) Budding: A bud from a desired rubber tree is grafted onto a rootstock. This ensures the offspring retains the qualities of the parent tree.
(ii) Stem Cuttings: Cuttings from a mature rubber tree are planted directly in a nursery to develop roots and shoots.
(4aiii)
Soil Requirement:
Rubber trees thrive in deep, well-drained, and lateritic soils with a slightly acidic pH ranging from 4.5 to 6.0. The soil should be fertile and rich in organic matter, as rubber trees require good drainage and aeration for optimal growth.
(4aiv)
Fertilizer Application:
Fertilizer application is crucial for the growth of rubber trees. For immature trees, it is recommended to apply:
-12 kg of compost or farmyard manure (FYM) and 120 g of rock phosphate per planting pit before planting.
-As the trees mature, a balanced NPK fertilizer (10:10:10) should be applied at a rate of 900 g per tree annually, split into two doses. Additional magnesium sulfate may be included if magnesium deficiency is observed.
(4av) Harvesting
Harvesting rubber involves tapping the trees to collect latex, which typically begins when the trees reach a girth of about 50 cm at a height of 125-150 cm from the ground. Tapping is done by making precise incisions in the bark without damaging the cambium layer, usually early in the morning to maximize latex flow. The tapping process can continue for 25 to 30 years, depending on tree health and management practices.
(4bi)
Sorghum:
-Stem borers
-Sorghum midge
(4bii)
Cassava:
-Cassava mealybug
-Cassava green mite
(4biii)
Tomato:
-Tomato fruit borer
-Whiteflies
(4c)
(i) Heat Stress: Chicks may pant excessively and appear restless.
(ii) Dehydration: High temperatures can cause water loss, leading to dehydration.
(iii) Reduced Feed Intake: Chicks eat less when overheated, affecting growth rates.
(iv) Mortality: Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can cause death.
(v) Poor Feather Development: Excessive heat can impair proper feather growth.
(vi) Weakened Immune System: Heat stress can make chicks more susceptible to diseases.
[12/6, 2:22 AM] King Of Exams Runs: *WAEC GCE AGRIC*
*NUMBER TWO*
(2a)
DIAGRAM
(2bi)
Deforestation refers to the large-scale clearing or removal of forests or trees from land, often to make way for agricultural activities, urban development, or other human uses. This process can lead to the loss of biodiversity, disruption of ecosystems, and environmental imbalances.
(2bii)
(i) Trees absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis, helping to mitigate climate change.
(ii) Forests release oxygen and filter harmful pollutants from the air.
(iii) Trees play a critical role in maintaining the water cycle by reducing runoff, improving groundwater recharge, and promoting precipitation.
(iv) Forests provide shelter and food for numerous species of plants and animals, maintaining ecological balance.
(v) Tree roots hold the soil in place, reducing erosion and maintaining soil fertility.
(2c)
(i) Decomposition: Organisms like fungi and bacteria break down organic matter into humus, enriching soil nutrients.
(ii) Nutrient Cycling: Microbes help convert nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus into forms that plants can absorb.
(iii) Soil Aeration: Earthworms and other burrowing organisms create channels that improve soil structure and aeration.
(iv) Formation of Soil Aggregates: Microorganisms and their by-products bind soil particles together, improving soil stability and water retention.
(v) Pest Control: Some soil organisms help control pests by feeding on harmful insects or their larvae.