Forth maize seeds were sown on a raised bed and thirty-five seeds germinated. (a) (i) Calculate the percentage of the maize seeds that germinated [2 marks] ...
Question 1 Report
Forth maize seeds were sown on a raised bed and thirty-five seeds germinated.
(a) (i) Calculate the percentage of the maize seeds that germinated [2 marks]
(ii) What is the percentage of the maize seeds that did not germinate? [2 marks]
(b) State four conditions that could have enhanced the germination of the thirty-five seeds. [4 marks]
(c) Suggest five reasons why some of the seeds did not germinate [5 marks]
(d) Give two industrial uses of maize seeds.
Answer Details
Given: 40 maize seeds sown, 35 germinated.
(a)(i) Percentage that germinated
\[ \text{Germination \%} = \frac{\text{number germinated}}{\text{number sown}} \times 100 = \frac{35}{40} \times 100 = 87.5\% \](a)(ii) Percentage that did not germinate
Seeds that failed = 40 - 35 = 5.
\[ \frac{5}{40} \times 100 = 12.5\% \](Or simply 100% - 87.5% = 12.5%.)
(b) Four conditions that could have enhanced germination
- Adequate soil moisture (water).
- Suitable warm temperature.
- Sufficient supply of oxygen (good soil aeration).
- Viable, healthy seeds sown at correct depth.
(c) Five reasons why some seeds did not germinate
- The seeds were not viable (dead or too old).
- Seeds were attacked by soil pests or diseases.
- Seeds were sown too deep or too shallow.
- Inadequate moisture (drought) or excess water (waterlogging).
- Seeds were still in dormancy, or unfavourable temperature.
(d) Two industrial uses of maize seeds
- Used in making cornflour, corn starch, corn oil and breakfast cereals.
- Used in producing livestock feed, and in brewing/making of ethanol and glucose syrup.
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