This question was fairly attempted by the candidates. In 6(a), many candidates could explain the terms grafting, thinning and staking as used in crop production. In addition to this, in 6(d), majority of the candidates could state the uses of ginger.

However, in 6(b) and (c), majority of the candidates were unable to give reasons for adopting practices such as grafting, thinning and staking in crop production and; write the botanical names of yam species.

The expected answers include:
Reasons for adopting each activity:
Grafting

• To propagate plants whose cuttings are difficult to root
• To increase the number of desirable cultivar
• To provide disease resistance to a susceptible but desirable cultivar
• To change plant form
• To repair damaged plants parts
• To shorten the period of maturity/fruiting
• Breeding true –to-type
• To increase yield  in crops

          Thinning

• To reduce competition for soil nutrients
• To improve plant vigour
• To reduce spread of diseases
• To reduce pest infestation

          Staking

• To enable the plant to grow straight or as required
• To support plant with weak stems such as beans, peas, yams etc.
• To prevent fruits such as tomatoes from touching the ground surface,                             and thus preventing possible rotting
• To encourage leaf distribution and light interception in order to enhance                        crop growth and yield
• To facilitate harvesting
• To facilitate spraying for pest and disease control
• To obtain clean, attractive and marketable fruits

      Botanical names of yam species:

• Dioscorea        rotundata
• Dioscorea        cayenensis
• Dioscorea        alata
• Dioscorea        esculenta
• Dioscorea        bulbifera
• Dioscorea        dumentorum
• Dioscorea        trifida