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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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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Calcium is not a micro-nutrient. Nutrients required by plants for growth and development can be classified into two categories: macro-nutrients and micro-nutrients. Macro-nutrients are nutrients that are required in larger amounts by plants, while micro-nutrients are required in smaller amounts. Calcium is a macro-nutrient that is essential for plant growth and development. It is required in relatively large amounts and plays an important role in cell wall formation, root development, and the regulation of other nutrients in the plant. In contrast, Iron, Manganese, and Boron are micro-nutrients that are required by plants in smaller amounts. These micro-nutrients are important for various functions in the plant, such as photosynthesis, enzyme activation, and hormone regulation. Therefore, Calcium is not a micro-nutrient because it is required in larger amounts by plants compared to micro-nutrients like Iron, Manganese, and Boron.

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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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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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Crops grown primarily for feeding animals are known as forage. Forage crops are grown specifically to be used as animal feed, either by grazing animals directly on the pasture or by harvesting the forage and feeding it to animals as silage or hay. Forage crops can include grasses, legumes, and other plants that are high in fiber and provide the necessary nutrients for animal growth and development. These crops can be grown for a variety of animals, such as cattle, sheep, goats, and horses. Vegetables, cereals, and shrubs, on the other hand, are not primarily grown for feeding animals. Vegetables are grown for human consumption, while cereals can be grown for both human consumption and animal feed. Shrubs, although they can be used as animal feed in some cases, are typically not grown specifically for this purpose. Therefore, forage is the term used to describe crops that are grown primarily for feeding animals.

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Out of the four options, "Involvement in local politics" is not a quality of a good extension worker. An extension worker is a professional who helps farmers and rural communities to adopt new technologies and improve their agricultural practices. To be effective in this role, an extension worker should have certain qualities, such as: - Organizational Ability: The ability to plan and carry out activities efficiently, and to manage resources effectively. - Clear Judgement: The ability to analyze information, make sound decisions, and provide advice to others. - Initiative: The ability to take the lead in solving problems and identifying opportunities for improvement. Involvement in local politics is not a quality of a good extension worker because extension workers should maintain impartiality and not align themselves with any particular political party or interest group. They should be focused on providing impartial and evidence-based advice to support the development of the rural communities they serve.

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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 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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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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A capsule is a dry, usually dehiscent fruit which develops from a compound ovary, splitting open in multiple sutures into several seed-bearing sections or carpels, e.g. cotton, durian, kapok, castor bean, okra. A capsule is a type of simple, dry, though rarely fleshy dehiscent fruit produced by many species of angiosperms. Only okra in the options is a capsule.

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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 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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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 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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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 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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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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Most biological activity in soil occurs in the A-horizon. The A-horizon, also known as the topsoil, is the uppermost layer of soil that is composed of a mixture of mineral particles, organic matter, and living organisms. This layer is particularly rich in organic matter, which provides a food source for microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi that play a vital role in breaking down organic materials and releasing nutrients that plants can use for growth. Additionally, the A-horizon is where plant roots grow and interact with soil organisms, which can influence the health and productivity of both plants and soil. Therefore, the A-horizon is considered the most biologically active layer of soil.

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The head of a tapeworm is known as the "scolex". The scolex is the attachment organ of the tapeworm that enables it to attach to the host's intestinal wall. It is a small, flattened structure that contains suckers and hooks, which the tapeworm uses to hold onto the intestine. The rostellum is a structure found on some tapeworms that helps them attach to the host's intestinal wall, but it is not the same as the scolex. Therefore, the correct answer is "scolex" when referring to the head of a tapeworm.

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The most unreliable source of power on the farm is wind. This is because wind is a highly variable and unpredictable resource that can change in strength and direction quickly. Unlike other sources of power, such as electricity or heat engines, which are more consistent and controllable, wind power is subject to the whims of nature and can't be relied upon to provide consistent and reliable power for farming operations. Additionally, wind turbines require a minimum wind speed to generate power, and in calm weather conditions, they may not produce any power at all.

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Phalaris minor is a species of grass native to North Africa, Europe, and South Asia. The bunchgrass is widely naturalised elsewhere. Common names include little seed canary grass, small-seeded canary grass, small canary grass, lesser-canary grass, guli danda (Hindi), and sittee booti (Urdu). Phalaris minor is a crop associated with wheat. Choice A is correct.

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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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A good silage should be free of moulds. Silage is made by fermenting green fodder in a silo or pit to preserve it as animal feed. Moulds can grow on the silage if the conditions are not right, such as when there is too much moisture or oxygen in the silo. This can lead to a decrease in the quality of the silage, as well as potential health problems for the animals consuming it. Mouldy silage can contain mycotoxins, which are toxic substances produced by certain types of moulds. When consumed by animals, mycotoxins can cause a range of health problems, including reduced milk production, poor weight gain, and even death in severe cases. Therefore, it is important to ensure that silage is made under the right conditions, such as with the correct moisture content and sufficient compaction to exclude oxygen. This will help to prevent the growth of moulds and ensure that the silage is of good quality for animal consumption.

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Cowpea is the non-oil crop among the following. While coconut, beniseed (sesame), and melon are all oil crops that are grown primarily for their oil-rich seeds, cowpea is a legume crop that is grown for its edible seeds, which are rich in protein and other nutrients. Cowpea is commonly consumed as a food crop in many parts of the world, and it is also used as a forage crop for livestock. Unlike coconut, beniseed, and melon, which are all highly valued for their oil content, cowpea is not typically grown for oil production. While it does contain some oil, the oil content of cowpea seeds is relatively low compared to oil crops like coconut and beniseed. Instead, cowpea is grown primarily for its nutritional value and as a source of protein for human and animal consumption. So, of the options given, cowpea is the non-oil crop, as it is not primarily grown for its oil content.

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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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Surface irrigation is where water is applied and distributed over the soil surface by gravity. It is by far the most common form of irrigation throughout the world and has been practiced in many areas virtually unchanged for thousands of years. Mole drainage is a subsurface method of draining clay soils that experience regular waterlogging from irrigation or high rainfall

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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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Dura, Tenera, and Pisifera are all cultivated varieties of oil palm. Oil palm is a type of palm tree that is grown for its fruit, which contains a high amount of oil that is used for cooking and in many other products. The three varieties, Dura, Tenera, and Pisifera, are all different in their physical characteristics and the amount of oil they produce. 1. Dura: This variety of oil palm has thick-shelled fruit with a relatively low oil content. It is commonly used as a rootstock for grafting other varieties onto. 2. Tenera: This variety is a hybrid between Dura and Pisifera and is the most commonly cultivated variety of oil palm. Its fruit has a thinner shell and higher oil content compared to Dura. 3. Pisifera: This variety has thin-shelled fruit and a high oil content, but it is less commonly cultivated than Tenera because its fruit is prone to damage and disease. In summary, Dura, Tenera, and Pisifera are all cultivated varieties of oil palm that have different physical characteristics and oil content. Tenera is the most commonly cultivated variety because it has the best balance of fruit quality and oil content.

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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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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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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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The following options are the importance of agriculture except for "Lack of good food." Agriculture is the practice of cultivating land, rearing animals, and producing food, fiber, and other products. It is a crucial sector of the economy and plays a significant role in the social and economic development of many countries. The importance of agriculture includes the following: 1. Provision of food: Agriculture is essential for the provision of food for humans and animals. It provides raw materials for the production of various food products, including fruits, vegetables, grains, and animal products. 2. Provision of employment opportunities: Agriculture is a significant source of employment in many countries, especially in rural areas. It provides jobs for millions of people, including farmers, farm workers, and those involved in processing, storage, and transportation of agricultural products. 3. Contribution to the economy: Agriculture is a significant contributor to the economy of many countries. It provides raw materials for various industries, including the textile, pharmaceutical, and food industries. 4. Environmental conservation: Agriculture plays a crucial role in environmental conservation through sustainable land management practices such as conservation tillage, crop rotation, and the use of cover crops. In summary, agriculture is essential for the provision of food, employment opportunities, contribution to the economy, and environmental conservation. However, "Lack of good food" is not an importance of agriculture but rather a challenge that agriculture seeks to overcome by providing adequate and quality food for all.

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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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Legumes are different from grasses because they form a symbiotic relationship with bacteria called rhizobia in the nodules of their roots. This symbiotic relationship allows legumes to fix atmospheric nitrogen into a form that is available to the plant, which in turn makes them an excellent source of nitrogen for other plants, including grasses. Grasses, on the other hand, do not have this ability to fix nitrogen and rely on other sources of nitrogen such as fertilizers or nitrogen from the atmosphere that has been fixed by other means. In addition to their ability to fix nitrogen, legumes are also an important source of protein and other nutrients for both humans and animals. This is due to the fact that they have a higher protein content than most grasses. Therefore, legumes and grasses serve different purposes in agriculture and can be used together in a complementary way to improve soil fertility and provide a balanced source of nutrition for livestock and humans.

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A castrated cockerel is called a "capon". A cockerel is a young male chicken, and when it is castrated, its testicles are removed, which affects its growth and development. Capons are typically larger and fattier than uncastrated chickens, and their meat is considered to be more tender and flavorful. The terms "boiler", "pullet", and "hen" refer to other types of chickens, but they do not describe a castrated cockerel specifically. Therefore, the correct answer is "capon" when referring to a castrated cockerel.

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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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Land race is not a breed of rabbits. Landrace is actually a breed of domestic pigs that originated in Denmark, and is known for its good maternal instincts and high fertility. New Zealand White, Chinchilla, and Californian White, on the other hand, are all breeds of rabbits. New Zealand White is a breed that is commonly used for meat production, while Chinchilla is a breed that is valued for its soft and dense fur. Californian White is a breed that was developed in the United States, and is also commonly used for meat production. Therefore, Land race is the option that is not a breed of rabbits, but rather a breed of domestic pigs.

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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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Rice is the cereal crop that most requires nursery practices. Rice is typically started from seed in a controlled nursery environment before being transplanted to the field. This process is known as "direct seeding" and it involves sowing the rice seeds in a seedbed or nursery, where they can be carefully tended and protected from pests and other threats until they are strong enough to be transplanted. Nursery practices for rice can include things like preparing the seedbed, selecting high-quality seeds, managing water and nutrients, controlling pests and diseases, and ensuring proper spacing between seedlings. Once the seedlings have grown to a certain size and are strong enough to withstand transplanting, they are carefully uprooted and moved to the main field. While other cereal crops like maize, millet, and guinea corn can also benefit from certain nursery practices, they are typically started directly in the field through methods like broadcasting or drilling. Rice, on the other hand, is more commonly transplanted from a nursery, making it the cereal crop that most requires nursery practices.