Study specimens P (APHID),Q (COWPEA SEEDS) and R (COCONUT FRIUT)and answer the following questions; (a) (i) State three effects of specimen P on crops (ii) ...

The specimens are identified in the question: P (aphid), Q (cowpea seeds) and R (coconut fruit).

(a)(i) Three effects of specimen P (aphid) on crops:

• It sucks plant sap, causing wilting, yellowing and stunted growth.
• It transmits viral diseases from plant to plant.
• Its sugary excreta (honeydew) encourages sooty mould, which reduces photosynthesis and yield.

(a)(ii) Two ways of controlling specimen P (aphid):

• Spray with an appropriate insecticide (contact/systemic).
• Encourage/use natural enemies such as ladybird beetles (biological control) and plant resistant varieties.

(b)(i) Two benefits of including the crop from which specimen Q (cowpea, a legume) was obtained in a mixed cropping system:

• It fixes atmospheric nitrogen through its root nodules and enriches the soil.
• It provides ground cover that reduces soil erosion and weed growth, and gives extra food/income.

(b)(ii) Major storage pest of specimen Q (cowpea): The cowpea weevil / bruchid, Callosobruchus maculatus.

(c) Five uses of specimen R (coconut):

• The white kernel is eaten as food.
• The coconut water is a refreshing drink.
• Oil is extracted from the kernel for cooking, soap and cosmetics.
• The husk (coir) is used to make ropes, mats and brushes.
• The hard shell is used for making cups, ladles, charcoal and ornaments.

(d) Botanical names:

• Specimen Q (cowpea): Vigna unguiculata.
• Specimen R (coconut): Cocos nucifera.