JAMB UTME - Agricultural Science - 2019

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There are different varieties of oil palm: dura palms have kernels with a thick shell; pisifera palms have kernels with no shell; tenera palms have kernels with a thin shell. Dure, Tenera and Pisifera are cultivate varieties of oil palm. Choice B is correct.

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Extension teaching methods are the tools and techniques used to create situations in which communication can take place between the rural people and the extension professionals. These are the methods of imparting new knowledge and skills to the rural people by drawing their attention towards such technologies, thereby arousing their interest and helping them to have a successful experience of the new practice. Newspaper can only be read by the literate farmers and majority of the farmers are ILLITERATE.

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Fertilizers are applied to fishponds to serve as nutrients for plankton. Plankton are tiny organisms that live in water and are a primary source of food for fish. Fertilizers contain essential nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus that are necessary for the growth and reproduction of plankton. As the plankton grow and multiply, they provide a valuable food source for fish in the pond. Additionally, the plankton consume nutrients in the water, which can help purify it by reducing the levels of harmful chemicals and pollutants. Therefore, applying fertilizers to fishponds can help promote the growth of plankton and ultimately support a healthy ecosystem for fish.

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The causative organism of maize rust is a fungus. Maize rust is a fungal disease that affects maize plants and is caused by the fungus Puccinia polysora. The fungus infects the leaves of the maize plant, causing yellow to brownish-orange rust-like pustules or spots on the leaves. Maize rust can have a significant impact on crop yield and quality, and it is important for farmers to take steps to prevent and control the disease. This can include the use of disease-resistant maize varieties, crop rotation, proper sanitation practices, and timely application of fungicides when necessary. So, the correct answer is fungus.

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The main mode of infection of rinderpest disease in cattle is through inhalation. Rinderpest is a viral disease that affects cattle and other cloven-hoofed animals. The virus is highly contagious and can spread rapidly through herds. The virus is shed in large amounts in nasal and ocular discharges, saliva, and feces of infected animals, which can contaminate the environment and infect other animals. Inhalation of the virus occurs when healthy animals breathe in the virus from the air or from contaminated surfaces, such as feed and water troughs or fences. The virus can survive for several days in the environment, which means that even if an infected animal has been removed from a location, the virus can still be present and infect other animals. While grazing and drinking contaminated water can also lead to infection, inhalation is the primary mode of transmission for rinderpest. The virus can also be spread through contact with contaminated objects or through the handling of infected animals, but these modes of transmission are less common compared to inhalation. In summary, the main mode of infection of rinderpest disease in cattle is through inhalation of the virus, which can be present in the air or on contaminated surfaces.

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Out of the given options, none of them directly requires Silicon (Si) for their growth. However, some plants can benefit from having Silicon available in their environment, and may grow better and healthier as a result. Silicon is not an essential nutrient for plants, meaning that they can grow without it. However, some research suggests that Silicon can improve plant growth, especially in harsh environmental conditions like drought, high salinity, and pests or diseases. Of the plants listed, Rice is one of the crops that has been shown to benefit significantly from Silicon supplementation. This is because Rice is a heavy user of Silicon, which it takes up and accumulates in its tissues, contributing to the structural stability of the plant and enhancing its resistance to pests and diseases. In summary, while none of the given plants require Silicon for their growth, Rice is one of the crops that can benefit from it. However, it's important to note that Silicon is not a magic bullet for plant growth and should be used in conjunction with other best practices for plant health and productivity.

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The ureter is not a part of the reproduction system of a hen. The ureter is a part of the urinary system and is responsible for carrying urine from the kidney to the bladder. The other three options, funnel, isthmus, and ovary, are all parts of the hen's reproductive system. The funnel is a funnel-shaped opening in the female reproductive system that connects the oviduct and the cloaca, the isthmus is a narrow part of the oviduct that connects the funnel to the uterus, and the ovary is a reproductive gland that produces the eggs.

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There are different varieties of oil palm: dura palms have kernels with a thick shell; pisifera palms have kernels with no shell; tenera palms have kernels with a thin shell. Tenera is a variety of oil palm. Choice C is correct

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Minerals essential for animal life include common salt (sodium chloride), calcium, phosphorus, sulfur, potassium, magnesium, manganese, iron, copper, cobalt, iodine, zinc, molybdenum, and selenium. The last six of these can be toxic to animals if excessive amounts are eaten. Palm oil not a source of minerals in animal nutrition.

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The parent material of a soil is formed from the disintegration of rock. Soil is made up of many different components, including organic matter, minerals, water, and air. However, the most important component of soil is the parent material, which is the rock or mineral that the soil is derived from. Over time, rock is broken down into smaller and smaller pieces by physical and chemical weathering processes. This process can take thousands of years, but eventually, the rock is reduced to small particles like sand, silt, and gravel. These smaller particles become the building blocks of soil, and they provide the structure and nutrients that plants and other organisms need to grow. In conclusion, the parent material of a soil is formed from the disintegration of rock, which is broken down over time into smaller particles like sand, silt, and gravel. These particles become the foundation of soil and provide the structure and nutrients that plants and other organisms need to grow.

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The type of land tenure system is the freehold system. The freehold system is a type of land tenure system in which an individual or entity owns the land outright and has the right to use, occupy, and sell the land as they see fit. This type of system is common in many countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. Under the freehold system, the owner of the land has complete control over it, and can use it for any legal purpose, such as agriculture, residential or commercial development, or conservation. The owner is also responsible for paying property taxes on the land and any structures or improvements that are built on it. This system is different from other types of land tenure systems, such as leasehold or communal systems, where individuals or groups have limited rights to use or occupy the land, and ownership may be held by a government entity or a community as a whole. Overall, the freehold system is designed to provide individuals or entities with secure and exclusive rights to use and manage the land, which can encourage investment, development, and long-term planning.

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Soils are formed through the interaction of five major factors: time, climate, parent material, topography and relief, and organisms. The relative influence of each factor varies from place to place, but the combination of all five factors normally determines the kind of soil developing in any given place. All other options apart from farming systems affects the soil type, farming system only affects the soil texture.

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The process of mating in sheep is called "tupping." Tupping refers to the act of a male sheep (also known as a ram) mounting a female sheep (also known as a ewe) to engage in sexual intercourse. The ram uses its front legs to stand on the ewe's back and align its reproductive organs with hers, while also using its hind legs to thrust and achieve penetration. This process is a natural part of the sheep breeding cycle and is essential for producing new lambs. In summary, tupping is the specific term used to describe the act of a male sheep mating with a female sheep to facilitate reproduction.

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Prevention, or at least alleviation, of the effects of viruses, involves:
(1) Elimination of sources of virus.
(2) Elimination of the virus from infected plants.
(3) Control of vectors.
(4) Breeding for resistance and the use of cross-protection methods.
Each of these approaches to control will be considered.
Planting resistant varieties of a plant/crop is the most effective method of controlling or preventing viral diseases since, the varieties can resist viral infections.

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The option "Kidding" is not a branch of agriculture. Agriculture is the science, art, and business of cultivating land, raising crops, and raising livestock for food, fuel, and other products. Agriculture includes many branches such as agronomy, horticulture, animal husbandry, and agricultural economics, among others. Forestry is the science of managing and conserving forests, including the study of trees, woodlands, and their ecosystem. Fishery is the study and management of fish and other aquatic species for commercial, recreational, and conservation purposes. "Kidding" is not a recognized branch of agriculture and is not related to the field.

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The wear and tear of farm structures over time is described as depreciation. Depreciation refers to the decrease in value of an asset over time due to age, usage, or obsolescence. Farm structures such as barns, sheds, and fences are subject to wear and tear due to exposure to weather, use, and other factors. As they age, their value decreases, and this decrease is referred to as depreciation. Depreciation is an important concept in accounting and financial management as it affects the value of assets and can impact a farm's financial performance.

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In poultry nutrition, the minerals that prevent the laying of thin-shelled eggs are calcium and phosphorus. Eggshells are primarily composed of calcium carbonate, so it is important that hens receive an adequate supply of calcium in their diet in order to produce eggs with strong shells. Phosphorus is also important for eggshell quality, as it helps to regulate calcium metabolism and aids in the development of the skeletal system. If a hen does not receive enough calcium and phosphorus in her diet, she may lay eggs with thin, weak shells that are more susceptible to cracking or breaking. This can be a serious problem for egg producers, as it can lead to reduced egg quality and lower profits. Therefore, to prevent the laying of thin-shelled eggs, it is important to ensure that hens receive a balanced diet that includes adequate levels of both calcium and phosphorus.

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The main difference between a disc plough and a disc harrow is their purpose and how they interact with the soil. A disc plough is used to turn over and break up the soil to create furrows for planting crops, while a disc harrow is used to break up clumps of soil, level the ground, and prepare it for planting by chopping up weeds, roots, and plant residue. The disc part of a plough is notched, which helps it to cut through the soil, while the disc part of a harrow is round, which allows it to smooth out the soil surface.

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Turkeys incubate for 27 - 28 days at 100.5 degrees. There are two methods of incubation. In the case of natural incubation with broody hens, for instance, naturally turkeys are good brooders and the broody hen can hatch 10-15 numbers of eggs. 27 days is the incubation period of turkey while 21 days is for chicken.

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General symptoms include stunted growth, delayed maturity, reduced fertility, lowered milk yield, unthrift ness, fragile bones and paralytic syndromes. This can be rectified by feeding of good quality roughages and including mineral mixtures in ration of young and producing stocks and by use of salt bricks. Deficiency in vitamin cannot improve fertility rather it decreases it, leads to loss of appetite, scurvy and rickets.

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Crop rotation is the practice of growing a series of dissimilar or different types of crops in the same area in sequenced seasons. It is done so that the soil of farms is not used for only one set of nutrients. It helps in reducing soil erosion and increases soil fertility and yield crop. Choice A is correct. Crop rotation involves the growing of crops one after other in a particular sequence

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Sources of credit include:
- Licensed banks
- Deposit-taking companies
- Money lenders
- Government agencies
The informal sources of credit to smallholder farmers as identified in the study area were family or friends, money lenders, produce buyers and farmers' cooperatives, while the formal sources of credit were Nigerian agricultural cooperative and rural development bank, microfinance banks and commercial banks.
Mortgage banks are banks that specializes in originating and / or servicing mortgage loans. A mortgage is a loan in which property or real estate is used as collateral. The borrower enters into an agreement with the lender (usually a bank) wherein the borrower receives cash upfront then makes payments over a set time span until he pays back the lender in full.

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Features of subsistence farming are as follows:
(a) It is practised by majority of the farmers in the country.
(b) It is characterised by small and scattered land holdings and use of primitive tools.
(c) The farmers do not use fertilisers and high yielding variety of seeds as they are poor.
Choice A, C and B explains the features of subsistence agriculture but option D did not state the feature of subsistence agriculture.
Choice D is correct.

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The maturity period of groundnut is typically between 4 to 5 months. This means that from the time the groundnut is planted until it is fully grown and ready for harvest, it takes between 4 to 5 months. During this period, the groundnut undergoes several stages of growth, including germination, flowering, and pod development, until it reaches maturity. The length of the maturity period can vary depending on the specific variety of groundnut and the growing conditions, such as climate, soil, and water availability. However, on average, it takes about 4 to 5 months for groundnuts to reach maturity and be ready for harvesting.

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Blast is caused by the fungus Magnaporthe oryzae. It can affect all above ground parts of a rice plant: leaf, collar, node, neck, parts of panicle, and sometimes leaf sheath. Blast of rice is a fungal disease. Therefore, choice C is correct.

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The New Zealand is a breed of rabbit, which despite the name, is American in origin. The breed originated in California, possibly from rabbits imported from New Zealand.

New zealand is a breed of Rabbit

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Fixed cost is the option that does not affect the change in supply of agricultural produce. Fixed costs are the expenses that do not change with changes in the level of output or production, such as rent or salaries. In contrast, factors that affect the change in supply of agricultural produce are those that influence the quantity of goods that farmers are willing and able to produce and sell in a given period of time. Technology can increase the efficiency and productivity of agricultural production, leading to an increase in supply. Changes in the cost of production, such as changes in the price of inputs like fertilizer or labor, can affect the profitability of farming and impact the supply of agricultural produce. Changes in commodity prices can also affect the supply of agricultural produce, as farmers may be more willing to produce more goods if they can sell them at higher prices. In summary, while fixed costs are an important consideration in farming and agricultural production, they do not directly affect the change in supply of agricultural produce.

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The part of the ruminant stomach from which digestive juices are secreted is the abomasum. Ruminants, such as cows, sheep, and goats, have a four-compartment stomach that allows them to break down tough plant material through a process of fermentation. The four compartments of the ruminant stomach are the rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum. The rumen and reticulum are the first two compartments and work together to break down food through fermentation and mixing with digestive juices. The omasum is the third compartment and is responsible for absorbing water and some nutrients. The abomasum is the fourth and final compartment and is equivalent to the true stomach in non-ruminant animals. It is where the majority of digestive juices are secreted and where the final stages of protein digestion occur. The abomasum also secretes enzymes that help to break down fats and carbohydrates. In summary, while the rumen and reticulum of the ruminant stomach are responsible for fermentation and mixing of food, it is the abomasum where the majority of digestive juices are secreted and where the final stages of protein digestion occur.

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Newcastle disease is a viral disease that primarily affects poultry birds such as chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese. This disease can cause severe respiratory, nervous and digestive symptoms in infected birds and can lead to high mortality rates in flocks. In severe cases, Newcastle disease can also spread to other birds in the area and cause outbreaks. It is important to maintain good biosecurity measures and to seek veterinary advice if any signs of the disease are suspected in a flock.

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Maize grows best on loamy soil. Loamy soil is a mixture of sand, silt, and clay, and is considered one of the best soil types for growing crops like maize. This is because loamy soil has a balanced mix of particles that allows it to hold water and nutrients well while also providing good drainage. The balance of sand, silt, and clay in loamy soil allows for good aeration, which is important for healthy root growth in maize plants. Sandy soil, on the other hand, has larger particles that do not hold water or nutrients well and can lead to poor crop growth. Sandy-clay soil and silty-clay soil have higher clay content, which can lead to poor drainage and waterlogging in wet conditions, making them less suitable for growing maize. In summary, maize grows best on loamy soil, which has a balanced mix of sand, silt, and clay that provides good drainage, aeration, and nutrient holding capacity for healthy crop growth.

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The degree of responsiveness of demand to a change in the price of goods or produce is referred to as price elasticity of demand. Price elasticity of demand is a measure of how much the quantity of a good or product demanded will change in response to a change in its price. If the quantity demanded changes a lot in response to a change in price, the demand is said to be elastic, and the price elasticity of demand will be high. If the quantity demanded changes only a little in response to a change in price, the demand is said to be inelastic, and the price elasticity of demand will be low. For example, if the price of a gallon of milk were to increase by 50%, and the quantity of milk demanded were to decrease by only 10%, the demand for milk would be said to be inelastic. On the other hand, if the price of a luxury car were to increase by 50% and the quantity demanded were to decrease by 50%, the demand for luxury cars would be said to be elastic. Price elasticity of demand is an important concept in economics, as it helps producers and policymakers understand how consumers will respond to changes in price. It can also help businesses make decisions about pricing strategies, such as whether to lower prices to increase demand or raise prices to increase profits.

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Mobile nutrients are nitrogen in the form of nitrate, phosphorus (P) in the form of phosphate, potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), chlorine (Cl), zinc (Zn) and molybdene (Mo). Calcium (Ca), sulfur (S), iron (Fe), boron (B) and copper (Cu) are immobile. Boron (B) is highly immobile because of its size. Therefore, choice A is correct.

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Rural farmers can obtain loans from various sources, but the most common ones are government agencies, merchant banks, and money lenders. Government agencies, such as agricultural development banks, offer loans to farmers at subsidized interest rates to encourage agricultural production and improve food security. These loans are often long-term and have flexible repayment terms. Merchant banks, on the other hand, offer loans to farmers based on their creditworthiness and ability to repay. These loans typically have higher interest rates than government loans, but they may offer more flexibility in terms of loan amount and repayment terms. Money lenders are private individuals or organizations that offer loans to farmers, often at very high interest rates. Farmers who are unable to obtain loans from government agencies or merchant banks may turn to money lenders as a last resort. However, borrowing from money lenders can be risky as the high interest rates and fees can make it difficult for farmers to repay the loan, leading to a cycle of debt and financial insecurity. Overall, it is important for farmers to carefully consider their options and choose the source of loans that best suits their needs and financial situation.

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The reduction of ten seedlings of maize to two per stand is referred to as Thinning. Thinning is the process of removing some of the weaker or excess seedlings in a plant stand to allow the remaining plants to have enough space, light, and nutrients to grow properly. This helps to ensure that each plant has enough resources to reach maturity and produce a good yield. In the case of maize seedlings, if there are too many plants growing in close proximity, they may compete with each other for resources, leading to smaller and weaker plants. By thinning the stand down to two seedlings per stand, you are providing the remaining plants with the necessary resources they need to grow strong and healthy.

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The pox disease in livestock are caused by "viruses". Pox diseases are a group of viral infections that affect livestock, including cattle, sheep, and goats. These diseases are highly contagious and can spread rapidly through populations of animals, causing skin lesions, respiratory symptoms, and, in severe cases, death. Bacteria, protozoa, and fungi are not the cause of pox diseases in livestock. Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms that can cause a wide range of diseases in livestock, but they are not responsible for pox diseases. Protozoa are single-celled organisms that can also cause diseases in livestock, but they are not the cause of pox diseases. Fungi are multicellular organisms that can cause infections in livestock, but they are not the cause of pox diseases.

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The majority of the world's yam production takes place in Africa, and the rest of it in Asia. The optimum temperature for storing yam tuber under cold storage is 280K (7°C). Therefore, 7°C is correct.

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A crop not requiring more than 750mm of annual rainfall is most suitable for cultivation in the "Sahel savanna". The Sahel savanna is a region located in West and Central Africa, characterized by hot temperatures and low to moderate levels of rainfall, typically ranging from 500mm to 750mm per year. This makes it well-suited for crops that do not require high levels of moisture and can tolerate arid conditions. Rainforests, on the other hand, receive much higher levels of rainfall, typically over 2000mm per year, making them less suitable for crops that require less moisture. The Sudan and Guinea savannas, which are located further south, receive slightly higher levels of rainfall compared to the Sahel savanna, but not enough to support crops that require a lot of moisture.

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Planter is not part of a disc plough. A disc plough is a farm implement that is used for primary tillage to break up and loosen soil in preparation for planting. It typically consists of a series of individual discs, which are arranged in a line and mounted on a frame. The coulter is a vertical blade that cuts through the soil and creates a furrow for the discs to follow. The discs themselves are typically concave and have a sharp edge, which slices through the soil and turns it over. The furrow wheel follows behind the discs and helps to control the depth of the ploughing. The disc scraper is a blade or bar that is attached to the frame of the plough and helps to prevent the discs from becoming clogged with soil or debris. It is typically positioned behind the discs and scrapes away any material that may be caught between them. Therefore, the planter is the option that is not part of a disc plough. A planter is a separate implement that is used for planting seeds or seedlings into the soil, and is not typically integrated into the design of a disc plough.

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The option that is not usually related to an increase in farm produce is "improved sales of crop and livestock." Improved sales refer to better marketing and selling strategies, which can result in higher profits, but it does not directly increase the quantity of farm produce. On the other hand, the use of improved crop varieties, increased use of manure and fertilizer, and use of better farm equipment and tools are all factors that can contribute to an increase in farm produce. Improved crop varieties have traits that are better adapted to the local growing conditions, such as resistance to pests and diseases, or tolerance to drought or floods. Increased use of manure and fertilizer helps to improve soil fertility and nutrient levels, which can increase the yield and quality of crops. Better farm equipment and tools can make the farming process more efficient, allowing farmers to cultivate larger areas in less time and with less labor. Therefore, to summarize, the option that is not usually improved by an increase in farm produce is "Improved sales of crop and livestock", as it refers to better marketing strategies and does not directly increase the quantity of farm produce.

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Iodine is essential for the production of thyrozine, which is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck. Thyrozine helps regulate the metabolism of animals and other organisms, which is the process by which they use energy from food to carry out their daily activities. Iodine is important because it is a key component of thyrozine. Without enough iodine, the thyroid gland cannot produce enough thyrozine, which can lead to a variety of health problems, including a slow metabolism and weight gain. In conclusion, iodine is an essential nutrient for animals, and it is important for the production of the hormone thyrozine, which helps regulate metabolism.