This question was poorly attempted by the candidates. In question 3(a), most of the candidates could identify specimens K (Rhinoceros beetle) and L (Rat). However, in question 3(b), some of the candidates were unable to list crops commonly attacked by specimen K (Rhinoceros).
Also, in question 3(c), many candidates could not state types of damage to crops caused by specimen K (Rhinoceros beetle). In question 3(d), majority of the candidates were unable to mention ways of controlling specimens K and L.
The expected answers include:
Crops commonly attacked by specimen K
Specimen K (Rhinoceros beetle)
- Oil palm
- Coconut palm
- Rafia palm
- Cocoyam
- Banana
- Yam
Damage caused by specimens K and L
Damage caused by specimen K (Rhinoceros beetle)
- Burrows into farm produce
- Reduces the quality of farm produce
- Burrows into the developing spear of the oil palm or other palms
- Damages the growing point of young oil palms
- Wounds serve as entry points for secondary infection
- May cause young plants to break/fall/lodge,
Ways of controlling specimens K (Rhinoceros beetle) and L (Rat)
Control of specimen K (Rhinoceros beetle)
- By hand picking
- By use of insecticide
- Destroy felled palms and stumps by burning
- Biological - use known natural enemies to control them.
Control of specimen L (Rat)
- By setting traps
- By using repellants
- By poisoning/use of rodenticides
- Rat-proofing
- Biological –using predators such as cats and dogs |