This question was popular among the candidates.  In 5(a), most of the candidates were unable to discuss the cultivation of maize under climatic requirements, soil requirements, cultural practices, processing, storage and diseases.  But in 5(b-c), majority of candidates were able to state the benefits of forests to the economic development of the country and mention the effects of diseases on crops.

The expected answers include:

5.(a)   Discussion on the cultivation of maize
          (i)   Climatic requirements
                 -    Temperature  =  10oC  -  40oC
                 -    Rainfall  =  460mm – 1,500mm per annum
                 -    Good distribution of rainfall
                 -    Sunny condition is necessary
          (ii)    Soil requirements
                   -    Well drained loamy soils except pure sandy soil
                   -    Soil pH = 5.0  -  8.0                   
        (iii)     Cultural practices
                  -    Replacements/supplying 
                  -    Thinning
                  -    Fertilizer/manure application
                  -    Weed control
                  -    Pest control
                  -    Disease control

           (iv)     Processing and storage
                 -    Cobs are dried
                 -    Dehusking
                 -    Shelling
                 -    Shelled grains are dried
                 -    Stored in bags, plastic drums or silos after treatment with appropriate
                      chemicals

           (v)      Diseases
                -    Maize rust
                -    Leaf blight
                -    Maize streak
                -    Maize smut
                -    Leaf spot

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