JAMB UTME - Agricultural Science - 2019

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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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Peasant farming is a type of farming that is practised by peasant farmers on small farm holdings. The labour is mostly supplied by the farmer and his family. The type of labour available to peasant farmers is family labour because most peasant farmers practise subsistence agriculture. Choice A is correct.

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The process whereby rocks are broken down into small particles through both physical and chemical factors is known as weathering. Weathering is the process by which rocks and minerals are broken down into smaller particles, called sediment, through a combination of physical and chemical processes. Physical weathering can occur when rocks are exposed to factors such as temperature changes, freeze-thaw cycles, or abrasion by wind or water. Chemical weathering can occur when rocks are exposed to substances like acid rain or the natural acids produced by organic matter in soil. Over time, these processes can cause rocks to break down into smaller and smaller particles, eventually forming soil and sediment that can be transported by erosion.

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Demand for most farm products is inelastic. People can consume only so much then they are satiated. Even if price drops they will not buy much more. When demand is inelastic a drop in price that spurs more quantity being sold results in lower revenue and profit for the producer.
Choice B is correct. A price inelastic demand would mean that an increase in price would not necessarily lead to a decline in quantity demanded or in case it does proportion of quantity change would be lesser vis a vis the change in price.
Demand tends to be price inelastic for agricultural produce for the following reasons.
1. Price changes don't affect consumption much
2. These produce are mostly necessities
3. Possibility of postponement is not there for most of these produce

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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 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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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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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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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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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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Coffee is cultivated in many places in tropical Latin America, Asia and Africa between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. It grows best in places with rich soil, reliable rainfall and altitudes between 3000 and 6000 feet. As a rule, the higher the elevation the coffee is grown the better the quality. The ideal pH of coffee is between 6.5 to 7.5. Therefore, choice D is correct.

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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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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 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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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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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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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 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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Fertilization or fertilizer application is the supplemental application of plant nutrients to crop plants to augment the supply from natural sources. This consists of applying nutrient-containing materials, called fertilizers, generally into the soil in proximity to receptor plants.

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The target groups of an agricultural Extension agent are typically individuals or groups who are involved in agriculture or rural development. These can include farmers, rural youth, women's groups, agribusinesses, cooperatives, and others who are engaged in agricultural activities. Of the options given, the one that is not a target group of an agricultural Extension agent is political parties. Political parties are not directly involved in agricultural activities or rural development, and therefore would not typically be a target group for agricultural Extension services. Extension agents are typically tasked with providing education, training, and other forms of support to help farmers and rural communities improve their productivity, sustainability, and economic well-being. They may work with individual farmers or groups, providing information and guidance on topics such as crop and livestock management, pest and disease control, soil fertility, marketing, and other issues that can affect agricultural productivity and profitability. So, the correct answer is political parties.

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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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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 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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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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To calculate the amount of manure required per hectare, we need to use the ratio of phosphorus in manure to the amount of phosphorus required per hectare. Given that 1kg of manure contains 0.32kg of phosphorus, we can calculate the amount of manure required to supply 1.5kg of phosphorus per hectare as follows: 1.5 kg phosphorus / 0.32 kg phosphorus per 1 kg manure = 4.69 kg manure per hectare Therefore, the amount of manure required per hectare to supply the required amount of phosphorus is 4.69 kg. So, (4.69kg) is the correct answer.

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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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In agriculture, a harrow (often called a set of harrows in a plurale tantum sense) is an implement for breaking up and smoothing out the surface of the soil. In this way it is distinct in its effect from the plough, which is used for deeper tillage. The farm machinery used to sow seeds and apply fertilizer at the same time is a harrow. Therefore, choice D is correct.

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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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The by-product of fish that is not on the list is "leather." Fish can be a valuable source of various by-products that are useful in various industries. For example, fish can be processed into fish meal, which is a high-protein feed ingredient used in animal feed production. Fish oil is another by-product that is commonly extracted from fish, which has a wide range of applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Fish silage is another by-product that is produced when fish waste is ensiled, which can then be used as a fertilizer or feed ingredient. However, leather is not a by-product that is typically associated with fish. Leather is usually made from the skin or hide of animals such as cows, sheep, and goats. Therefore, leather is not a by-product of fish. In summary, while fish can be processed into a range of useful by-products like fish meal, oil, and silage, leather is not one of them.

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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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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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Farm operations are done by different sources of power, namely human, animal, oil engine, tractor, power tiller, electricity and renewable energy (biogas, solar and wind). Human beings are the main source of power for operating small tools and implements. Choice D is correct. Plough is not 2 source of farm power.

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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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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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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.

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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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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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Mucous discharge from the rectum is not a sign of heat in animals. Heat, also known as estrus, refers to the period in the reproductive cycle of female animals when they are fertile and can mate with males to produce offspring. During heat, females exhibit various physical and behavioral changes to signal their readiness to mate. These changes include swelling of the vulva, increased vaginal discharge, mounting behavior, and restlessness. Mucous discharge from the rectum is not a typical sign of heat in animals. It can indicate a digestive issue or infection, and it is not related to reproductive readiness. Therefore, if you observe mucous discharge from the rectum in your animal, it is important to seek veterinary attention to identify the cause of this symptom.

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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 engine oil in a tractor is something that requires daily checking. Engine oil is a vital component of any engine, including those found in tractors. It helps lubricate the moving parts of the engine, reducing friction and heat buildup that can damage the engine over time. It also helps remove contaminants and debris from the engine, keeping it clean and operating smoothly. Because tractors are often used in dusty, dirty, and challenging environments, the engine oil can become contaminated quickly. Therefore, it is important to check the oil level and quality on a daily basis to ensure that the engine is properly lubricated and functioning at optimal levels. While other components like the spark plug, air cleaner, and battery are also important and should be checked regularly, they do not require daily checking like the engine oil. In summary, the component that requires daily checking in a tractor is the engine oil.