JAMB UTME - Agricultural Science - 2020

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Smut disease of cereals is caused by a fungus. A fungus is a type of microorganism that can cause diseases in plants. The fungus infects the cereal plant and causes it to produce abnormal growths, called galls, in place of kernels. These galls eventually burst open and release spores of the fungus that can infect other plants. This can result in significant yield loss and reduced quality of the cereal crop.

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The mating of a white fulani bull and an N'dama cow is called cross breeding. Cross breeding is the mating of two animals from different breeds, or sometimes even different species, with the aim of creating offspring with desirable traits from both parents. In this case, the white fulani bull and N'dama cow are two different breeds, therefore their mating would be considered cross breeding.

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Consumer sovereignty in agriculture refers to the idea that the consumer, not the farmer, determines what should be produced in the agricultural sector. This means that farmers produce what consumers want to buy, rather than what they think is best to grow. Essentially, the demand of the consumers drives the supply of agricultural products. For example, if consumers demand organic produce, farmers will shift their production towards organic crops to meet that demand. In this way, consumer sovereignty ensures that the needs and preferences of the consumers are being met. However, it's important to note that the concept of consumer sovereignty can sometimes be limited by various factors such as government policies, production costs, and environmental constraints.

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The recommended agricultural practice in farm settlement schemes is mixed farming. Mixed farming involves the integration of both crop and livestock production on the same farm. This approach provides farmers with a more diverse and stable source of income, as they can earn money from both crops and animals. Additionally, mixed farming can help to improve soil fertility and reduce the risk of crop failure, as the manure produced by livestock can be used as a natural fertilizer for crops. This type of agricultural practice is considered to be more sustainable and resilient than relying solely on one type of production, such as cash crop production or poultry farming.

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Andropogon gayanus is commonly called "gamba grass." Gamba grass is a species of grass that is native to Africa and is known for its tall, dense growth. It grows well in hot, wet conditions and is commonly used for forage for livestock, as well as for erosion control and as a fuel source. The name "gamba" comes from the Bantu language and refers to the tall stature of the grass.

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The marketing process does not include "production." Production refers to the creation of goods and services, while marketing is concerned with the promotion and sale of those goods and services. Marketing includes activities such as market research, product development, pricing, advertising, sales, and distribution. While production and marketing are closely related, they are distinct processes with different objectives and responsibilities. In the business world, production is often the responsibility of operations or manufacturing departments, while marketing is handled by a separate marketing department.

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The option that is not a typical objective of government agricultural policies is "increasing the number of peasant farmers." While some governments may aim to support small-scale farmers and promote rural development, it is not a direct objective of agricultural policies to simply increase the number of farmers. The other options listed, such as increasing food production, improving efficiency in export crop production, and supplying raw materials for local industries, are more commonly aimed for in agricultural policies as these goals directly impact food security, economic growth, and industrial development.

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An increase in the supply of cowpea will generally lead to a decrease in its market price. This is because, with more cowpea available, there is greater competition among sellers to find buyers for their product, which puts downward pressure on the price. Think of it like this: if there are many people trying to sell the same product, each person will have to lower their price to attract buyers and make a sale. The same is true for cowpea. In a normal market situation, the law of supply and demand states that when the supply of a product increases, the price of the product will decrease, assuming everything else remains constant. This is because the increased supply creates an excess of the product, making it more readily available and easier for consumers to find. With more supply and no change in demand, the price drops to encourage people to buy more.

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A biotic factor influencing agricultural production is a predator. A predator is an organism that hunts and eats other organisms, and in agriculture, predators can have a significant impact on crop production. For example, pests such as insects or rodents can damage or destroy crops, reducing the yield and quality of the harvest. To control these biotic factors, farmers may use various methods such as crop rotation, pest-resistant crops, and chemical pesticides.

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A soil with a pH range of 6.1 to 6.9 is considered slightly acidic. pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a soil, with a pH of 7 being neutral. Soils with a pH less than 7 are considered acidic, while those with a pH greater than 7 are considered alkaline. A soil with a pH range of 6.1 to 6.9 is slightly acidic because it falls within the range of slightly acidic soils (pH 6.0-7.0). It's important to note that different plants have different pH requirements, so knowing the pH of your soil can help you determine which plants will grow best in your soil.

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The national tree-planting campaign is aimed at stimulating afforestation. Afforestation refers to the process of establishing a forest, or stand of trees, in an area where there was no forest. The goal of the national tree-planting campaign is to increase the number of trees in a specific area, either for conservation purposes, to provide timber, or for other benefits such as improving air quality and reducing soil erosion. Taungya farming involves the planting of trees in fields, where crops are also grown. This type of farming provides benefits to both the trees and the crops, as the trees provide shade and improve soil fertility, while the crops provide food and income. Forest reservation involves setting aside forests for conservation purposes, usually to protect wildlife and their habitats. While all of these practices can contribute to improving the health and sustainability of forests, the primary focus of a national tree-planting campaign is likely to be on afforestation.

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The quantity of rice that a consumer is willing and able to buy during a given period is the consumer's demand for rice. Demand for rice refers to the amount of rice that a consumer is willing and able to buy at a specific price. When the price of rice goes up, demand for rice may go down, and vice versa. This relationship between price and demand is a key concept in economics and helps to determine the market price for a good or service.

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The characteristic that is not correct for pigs is "source of land". Pigs are not a source of land, they are a source of meat. Pigs are known for being efficient feed converters, meaning they can convert feed into meat efficiently, and they are also prolific animals, meaning they can produce a lot of offspring. In simple terms, pigs are raised for their meat, and are valued for their ability to convert food into meat quickly and efficiently, but they are not a source of land.

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The scientific name for guinea grass is Panicum maximum. Scientific names, also known as Latin names, are used to provide a standardized and universally recognized name for a species of plant or animal. The scientific name for guinea grass is Panicum maximum, and this name is used by scientists and researchers all over the world to refer to this species of grass. This helps to avoid confusion and ensure that everyone is talking about the same species, even if it has different common names in different regions.

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Granite is an example of igneous rock. Igneous rocks are formed from the solidification of molten rock (magma or lava). The process can occur below the Earth's surface (intrusive igneous rocks) or on the surface (extrusive igneous rocks). Granite is a type of intrusive igneous rock that is formed from the slow cooling and solidification of magma deep beneath the Earth's surface. It is composed of minerals such as feldspar, quartz, and mica, which give it a distinctive appearance and texture.

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Improving yam through breeding is difficult because yam is a type of plant that reproduces vegetatively, meaning that it does not have a sexual reproductive system. This means that new plants are produced from the stem, roots or leaves rather than from seeds. As a result, breeding is not as straightforward as it is with plants that produce seeds. Additionally, yam varieties can rapidly multiply, making it difficult to control their growth and ensure that only the desired varieties are being propagated. Furthermore, the genes in yam plants do not segregate in a predictable manner, making it difficult to produce plants with specific traits through breeding.

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A Gunter's chain is mainly used for taking measurements of distances. It is a survey tool consisting of a chain of 100 links, each link measuring 7.92 inches in length. This makes the total length of the chain 66 feet, or 22 yards. Surveyors use the Gunter's chain to measure distances and to calculate the size of an area by counting the number of chains that fit into the space. By using this tool, surveyors can accurately determine the dimensions of land, buildings, and other structures.

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The option that does not describe an effect of crop rotation on the soil is "predisposing soil to leaching". Leaching is the process of soil erosion by water, where water removes nutrients and minerals from the soil. Crop rotation can have the opposite effect on the soil, by improving its structure and maintaining its fertility, which can help to retain nutrients and minerals in the soil. In simple terms, crop rotation helps to keep the soil healthy and productive by alternating different types of crops in a specific order, which helps to prevent the build-up of soil pests, improve the soil structure, and maintain soil fertility.

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Cassava is mainly propagated by cuttings. Cassava is a tropical root crop that is widely grown for its edible starchy roots. To grow cassava, farmers usually take cuttings from mature plants and plant them directly into the ground. These cuttings will then sprout roots and grow into new plants. This method of propagation is relatively simple and efficient, and it ensures that the new plants will have the same characteristics as the parent plant. Other methods of plant propagation, such as layering, budding, and growing from seedlings, can also be used, but cuttings are the most commonly used method for propagating cassava.

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An example of a grain legume is pea. Grain legumes are plants that produce seeds that are used for food and feed. They are part of the legume family, which also includes beans, lentils, and peanuts. Peas are a type of grain legume that are small, round, and green in color. They are a good source of protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. They can be eaten raw, cooked, or used as an ingredient in a variety of dishes.

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The most likely cause of poor yield of fertile soil in a high rainfall area is leaching of soil nutrients. This is because high rainfall can wash away valuable nutrients and minerals from the soil, making it less fertile and less able to support plant growth. The nutrients are carried away by water, especially in areas with high rainfall, and deposited elsewhere, which makes the soil less rich in nutrients over time. This can be prevented by using proper soil conservation techniques like crop rotation, adding organic matter, and using appropriate fertilizer. Low pH value of land can also affect plant growth, as plants have a preferred range of soil pH for optimal growth. If the soil pH is too low, it can make certain nutrients unavailable to plants and result in poor growth. Lack of soil microbes can also impact plant growth, as these microbes play an important role in breaking down organic matter and releasing nutrients for plants to use. High alkalinity of soil can also affect plant growth, as some plants are sensitive to high levels of alkalinity and may struggle to absorb necessary nutrients.

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The Nigerian government has helped farmers in marketing a particular crop by the establishment of marketing boards. Marketing boards are organizations set up by the government to regulate and control the marketing of specific agricultural products. They help to ensure that farmers receive fair prices for their crops, and also help to stabilize prices in the market. Marketing boards may also provide support to farmers in areas such as transportation, storage, and grading of crops. Rural schools of agriculture provide education and training to farmers, helping them to improve their farming practices and increase productivity. Rural extension offices provide information and advice to farmers on a range of topics, including best practices for growing crops and marketing their products. Markets for the sale of crops are important places where farmers can sell their products, but they do not provide the same level of support and regulation as marketing boards. By establishing marketing boards, the Nigerian government is helping to create a stable and fair marketplace for the sale of specific crops, providing farmers with a more secure and predictable income.

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When a male chicken, also known as a cockerel, is castrated, it becomes a capon. Castration is the process of removing the testicles, which results in the bird having a more tender and flavorful meat, as well as a calmer personality. Castrated male chickens are often raised for food, and are known for their plump and juicy meat.

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The cracks or crevices that are first noticed on rocks during soil formation are caused by temperature changes. As the temperature fluctuates, it causes the rocks to expand and contract. This repeated expansion and contraction leads to the formation of cracks and crevices in the rocks. Over time, these cracks and crevices can become deeper and wider, and eventually, soil can accumulate in them, leading to soil formation.

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The process of stopping a young animal from drinking milk from its mother and feeding it by hand is called weaning. Weaning is the process of gradually introducing solid food and reducing the amount of milk or formula that the young animal receives. This is an important step in the development of the young animal as it helps them transition from a milk-based diet to a more solid and varied diet. The goal of weaning is to promote healthy growth and development, and to prepare the young animal for a self-sufficient life.

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All of the groups of crops listed can be grown from seedlings in a nursery, but the specific crops grown in a nursery depend on the farmer's goals and resources. A nursery is a place where young plants are grown until they are big enough to be transplanted into the field. This allows farmers to control the growing conditions, such as temperature, moisture, and light, and to protect the young plants from disease and pests. Crop selection for a nursery will often depend on factors such as the climate, soil type, and market demand for the crops. For example, tomato, cotton, and sorghum are often grown in nurseries in regions with hot and dry climates, while crops such as rice, maize, and cocoa are more commonly grown in nurseries in regions with a tropical or subtropical climate. In conclusion, all of the groups of crops listed can be grown in a nursery, but the specific crops grown in a nursery will depend on various factors such as the climate, soil type, and market demand.

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The act of giving birth in farm animals is called "parturition." Parturition refers to the process of giving birth, from the onset of labor to the delivery of the offspring. It is a natural process that occurs in mammals, including farm animals such as cows, pigs, sheep, and horses. During parturition, the mother's uterus contracts to push the baby out, and the baby is then born.

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Sulphur is important as a constituent of plant proteins and hormones. Sulphur is a crucial element for plants, playing a role in many of the plant's key processes, such as growth and the creation of proteins and hormones. Proteins are the building blocks of all living things, and hormones control important functions like flowering and fruiting. Without sufficient sulphur, plants can become stunted and their growth and development can be slowed down. Additionally, some crops like brassicas (e.g. broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage) are particularly sensitive to sulphur deficiency and may show visible signs of yellowing or stunted growth.

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The main purpose of including leguminous crops, such as beans and peas, in pastures is to serve as a source of proteins for livestock. These crops are high in protein and provide an important source of nutrition for animals, helping to keep them healthy and productive. Additionally, leguminous crops help to improve the quality of the soil by fixing nitrogen, which makes it more fertile and better able to support other plants.

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An agricultural extension agent is responsible for educating farmers on the use of improved inputs and techniques in agriculture. This includes teaching them about new and effective methods of farming, providing information about the latest technologies and techniques that can increase productivity, and helping farmers to understand the benefits of using better seeds, fertilizers, and other inputs. The goal of an agricultural extension agent is to help farmers improve their yields and make their farming operations more efficient and profitable.

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All of the options listed can contribute to disease in a fish pond, but poor management practices are particularly significant. Poor management practices can include things like overstocking the pond, failing to maintain proper water quality, not properly cleaning and disinfecting equipment, and not providing adequate nutrition to the fish. These practices can create an environment that is favorable for the growth and spread of disease-causing pathogens, leading to outbreaks of disease in the pond. Mixed stocking refers to the practice of stocking a pond with different species of fish. This can increase the risk of disease by introducing new pathogens or by creating stress in the fish that weakens their immune systems. Liming is the practice of adding lime to a fish pond to adjust the pH of the water. While liming is important for maintaining the health of the fish, it can also increase the risk of disease if not done properly. Harvesting refers to the removal of fish from a pond. While harvesting itself is not a direct cause of disease, it can disrupt the balance of the pond and increase the risk of disease if not done properly. For example, if fish are harvested too frequently or if diseased fish are not properly disposed of, it can create an environment that is favorable for the growth and spread of disease-causing pathogens.