Agriculture Paper 3, WASSCE (SC), 2017

Question 3

          Study specimens P, Q and R carefully and answer the following questions.

    (a)(i) State three effects of specimen P(Aphid) on crops

    (ii) Mention two ways of controlling specimen P. [5 marks]

     

    (b) (i)Give two benefits of including the crop from which specimen Q (Cowpea seeds) was obtained in a mixed cropping system.

    (ii) Name the major storage pest of specimen Q. [3 marks]

    (c) State five uses of specimen R (Coconut fruit) [5 marks]

    (d) Give the botanical names of the crops from which specimens Q and R were obtained. [ 2 marks]

Observation

a. This question was well attempted by candidates. Majority of the candidates correctly stated the effects of specimen P(Aphid) and ways of controlling specimen P. b. Most candidates were able to give two benefits derivable from including the crop from which specimen Q was obtained from in a mixed cropping system. They were also able to write bean beetle as the major storage pest of cowpea seeds. c. In providing answers to the uses of coconut, most candidates lumped the answers instead of splitting them. d. Candidates could not strictly adhere to the rules of writing the botanical names of crops from which specimens Q and R were obtained.
 The expected answers include:


3 (c) Uses of specimen R (Coconut fruit) )

- Eaten as food by humans

- Fed to farm animals

- Processed to obtain vegetable oil/coconut oil

- Source of fibre used as fuel/in making foot mat and brush

- Source of coconut water used to produce fruit juice

- Shell is used as abrasive

- Coconut water is used as medicine

- Used for crafts/decoration

- Raw materials for industries e.g. cosmetic industry

(d) Botanical names of the crops from which specimens Q(Cowpea seeds) and R(Coconut fruit) were obtained
Specimen Q: Vigna unguiculata
Specimen R: Cocos nucifera