(a) State four aims of crop improvement. [4 marks] (b) Give four conditions necessary for seed germination. [4 marks] (c) State the importance of conducting...
Question 1 Report
(a) State four aims of crop improvement. [4 marks]
(b) Give four conditions necessary for seed germination. [4 marks]
(c) State the importance of conducting a germination test. [2 marks]
(d) Discuss briefly three problems associated with the use of poor quality planting materials. [6 marks]
Answer Details
(a) Four aims of crop improvement
- To develop high-yielding varieties.
- To develop varieties resistant to pests and diseases.
- To produce early-maturing varieties.
- To improve the quality of produce and develop varieties tolerant of adverse conditions (drought, poor soils).
(b) Four conditions necessary for seed germination
- Adequate water (moisture).
- Suitable/warm temperature.
- Oxygen (air).
- Viable seed (and, for some seeds, light).
(c) Importance of conducting a germination test
It is done to determine the viability (percentage germination) of the seeds, so that the farmer knows the quality of the seed and can decide the correct seed rate to plant and avoid wasting time and land on seeds that will not germinate.
(d) Three problems associated with poor quality planting materials
- Poor germination: low-viability seeds give patchy, uneven stands and gaps in the field, reducing plant population.
- Low yield: weak or unimproved materials produce sickly plants that give poor yields and low-quality produce.
- Disease and pest carry-over: infected planting materials introduce and spread pests and diseases into the field, causing further crop losses.
Download The App On Google Playstore
Everything you need to excel in your exams
