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1. (a) Specimen A (cotton stainer) belongs to the Hemiptera order and has piercing-sucking mouthparts.
(b) Two damages done to crops by specimen A (cotton stainer) are as follows:
1. Feeding on cotton plants: Cotton stainers pierce the fruits (bolls) of cotton plants and feed on the developing seeds. This causes discoloration, staining, and reduced quality of the cotton fibers.
2. Transmitting plant diseases: Cotton stainers can also act as vectors for plant diseases, transmitting pathogens from infected plants to healthy ones, further damaging crops.
(c) Two control measures for specimen A (cotton stainer) are as follows:
1. Cultural practices: Implementing cultural practices such as crop rotation, clean cultivation, and weed control can help reduce the population of cotton stainers. Removing alternate hosts and improving sanitation in the field can also limit their breeding sites.
2. Chemical control: In severe infestations, insecticides specifically targeted for cotton stainers can be used to control their populations. However, it is important to carefully follow label instructions, application practices, and safety precautions to minimize any negative impacts on beneficial insects and the environment. Integrated pest management (IPM) practices can also be employed, combining chemical control with other non-chemical measures for sustainable management.
3.
(a)
i) Specimen C (Kola nut)
ii) Specimen D (Cassava)
iii) Specimen E (Groundnut Shelled)
iv) Specimen F (Tomato)
v) Specimen G (Grains of paddy rice)
(b)
One feature each of the specimens that make them adapt to their environment:
Specimen C (Kola nut): Kola nut trees have a deep root system that allows them to access water and nutrients from deep in the soil, enabling them to survive in areas with limited rainfall.
Specimen D (Cassava): Cassava has thick fleshy roots that store carbohydrates, allowing the plant to survive in drought-prone areas with limited water availability.
Specimen E (Groundnut Shelled): Groundnuts (peanuts) have a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in their root nodules, which helps them obtain nitrogen from the air and enhances their growth in nitrogen-deficient soils.
Specimen F (Tomato): Tomato plants have compound leaves that increase their surface area for efficient photosynthesis and water uptake, enabling them to thrive in sunny and warm environments.
Specimen G (Grains of paddy rice): Paddy rice has long, slender leaves that can efficiently absorb sunlight and create a high photosynthetic rate. These plants are adapted to grow in flooded or waterlogged conditions.
(c)
Most appropriate methods of controlling the specimens:
Specimen F (Tomato): Effective control measures for tomato pests include biological control (introduction of natural predators), cultural practices (crop rotation, proper sanitation), and targeted pesticide applications if necessary.
Specimen G (Grains of paddy rice): Integrated pest management (IPM) practices are commonly used to control pests in rice fields. This includes techniques such as the use of resistant varieties, biological control agents (such as predatory insects), field monitoring, and proper cultural practices (such as water management and balanced fertilizer application).
Specimen D (Cassava): Cassava pests, such as the cassava mealybug and cassava green mite, can be controlled using biological control agents, trap crops, and the removal of infested plant material. Pesticides can be used as a last resort if other methods fail or in severe infestations.
(d)
Methods of propagating each of the specimens:
Specimen D (Cassava): Cassava can be propagated through stem cuttings. The stems are cut into sections with several nodes, and these cuttings are then planted in prepared soil.
Specimen G (Grains of paddy rice): Paddy rice is propagated through seeds. Rice seeds are soaked, pre-germinated, and then planted in the field or seedbed.
Specimen C (Kola nut): Kola nuts are propagated through seeds. The mature nuts are collected, the outer shells are removed, and the seeds are then planted in suitable soil.
Specimen E (Groundnut Shelled): Groundnuts are propagated through seeds. The seeds, also called peanuts or kernels, are planted directly in the soil.
(e)
Pests of specimen D (Cassava): Cassava mealybug and cassava green mite.
Diseases of specimen D (Cassava): Cassava mosaic disease and cassava brown streak disease.
(f)
Toxic substance present in specimen D (Cassava): Cyanogenic glycosides, specifically linamarin, which can release toxic hydrogen cyanide when consumed.
Process of reducing the toxic substance: Soaking cassava roots in water for a specific period allows enzymatic hydrolysis to occur, converting the cyanogenic glycosides into non-toxic compounds. This process is known as soaking or fermentation.
(h)
Uses of specimen C (Kola nut): Kola nuts are used in various ways, including traditional rituals, as a stimulant due to their caffeine content, in the production of carbonated drinks and flavorings, and sometimes as a flavoring in traditional foods and medicines.
4.
(a)
Organism causing damage to:
- Specimen C (Kola nut): No specific organism identified as commonly causing damage to kola nuts.
- Specimen E (Groundnut Shelled): Groundnut rosette virus.
- Specimen F (Tomato): Tomato hornworm caterpillars and tomato fruitworms.
- Specimen G (Grains of paddy rice): Rice blast fungus.
(b)
Possible effects of the damage done to:
- Specimen E (Groundnut Shelled): Reduced yield and quality of groundnut kernels, leading to decreased income for farmers.
- Specimen G (Grains of paddy rice): Reduced grain production and quality, leading to lower income for farmers and potential food security issues.
(c)
Methods of controlling organisms causing damage to:
- Specimen C (Kola nut): Regular monitoring and removal of affected nuts, implementation of balanced fertilization to promote tree health, and sanitation practices to reduce potential disease vectors.
- Specimen E (Groundnut Shelled): Integrated management approaches, including planting resistant varieties, early planting to avoid pests and diseases, cultural practices (crop rotation, weeding, and proper irrigation), and proper insecticide application if necessary.
- Specimen F (Tomato): Biological control, physical barriers (such as netting), cultural practices (crop rotation, proper sanitation, and removing affected plants), and targeted pesticide applications as needed.
- Specimen G (Grains of paddy rice): Integrated pest management (IPM) practices, such as biocontrol agents (predatory insects and birds), resistant varieties, proper water management, crop rotation, and timely fungicide applications during disease outbreaks.
