JAMB UTME - Agricultural Science - 2019

Answer Details

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

Answer Details

Turkeys incubate for 27 - 28 days at 100.5 degrees. There are two methods of incubation. In the case of natural incubation with broody hens, for instance, naturally turkeys are good brooders and the broody hen can hatch 10-15 numbers of eggs. 27 days is the incubation period of turkey while 21 days is for chicken.

Answer Details

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.

Answer Details

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.

Answer Details

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

Answer Details

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.

Answer Details

There are various forms of land tenure systems in Nigeria ranging from communal ownership, inheritance tenure system, leasehold tenure system, rent tenure system, gift tenure system, freehold tenure system and tenant at government will. Land are popularly and commonly inherited in Nigeria, this has been the oldest and commonest land tenure in Nigeria.

Answer Details

The type of land tenure system is the freehold system. The freehold system is a type of land tenure system in which an individual or entity owns the land outright and has the right to use, occupy, and sell the land as they see fit. This type of system is common in many countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. Under the freehold system, the owner of the land has complete control over it, and can use it for any legal purpose, such as agriculture, residential or commercial development, or conservation. The owner is also responsible for paying property taxes on the land and any structures or improvements that are built on it. This system is different from other types of land tenure systems, such as leasehold or communal systems, where individuals or groups have limited rights to use or occupy the land, and ownership may be held by a government entity or a community as a whole. Overall, the freehold system is designed to provide individuals or entities with secure and exclusive rights to use and manage the land, which can encourage investment, development, and long-term planning.

Answer Details

The factor of production whose reward is profit is entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship involves the ability to identify business opportunities, take risks, and organize resources (such as land, labor, and capital) in order to create and run a successful business. Entrepreneurs are typically the ones who invest their own time, money, and effort into starting and managing a business. In return for taking on the risks and uncertainties associated with starting and running a business, entrepreneurs are rewarded with profits. Profit is the return on investment that entrepreneurs receive for successfully creating and managing a business that provides goods or services that are valued by consumers. So, to sum up, the factor of production whose reward is profit is entrepreneurship, as it is the driving force behind the creation and success of businesses that generate profits.

Answer Details

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.

Answer Details

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.

Answer Details

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.

Answer Details

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.

Answer Details

Minerals essential for animal life include common salt (sodium chloride), calcium, phosphorus, sulfur, potassium, magnesium, manganese, iron, copper, cobalt, iodine, zinc, molybdenum, and selenium. The last six of these can be toxic to animals if excessive amounts are eaten. Palm oil not a source of minerals in animal nutrition.

Answer Details

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.

Answer Details

Soil texture is a classification instrument used both in the field and laboratory to determine soil classes based on their physical texture. Soil texture can be determined using qualitative methods such as texture by feel, and quantitative methods such as the hydrometer method. Soil Texture is the classification of soil based on its physical texture and characteristics, particularly the size of the particles that make up the soil.

Answer Details

The maturity period of groundnut is typically between 4 to 5 months. This means that from the time the groundnut is planted until it is fully grown and ready for harvest, it takes between 4 to 5 months. During this period, the groundnut undergoes several stages of growth, including germination, flowering, and pod development, until it reaches maturity. The length of the maturity period can vary depending on the specific variety of groundnut and the growing conditions, such as climate, soil, and water availability. However, on average, it takes about 4 to 5 months for groundnuts to reach maturity and be ready for harvesting.

Answer Details

Blast is caused by the fungus Magnaporthe oryzae. It can affect all above ground parts of a rice plant: leaf, collar, node, neck, parts of panicle, and sometimes leaf sheath. Blast of rice is a fungal disease. Therefore, choice C is correct.

Answer Details

The main difference between a disc plough and a disc harrow is their purpose and how they interact with the soil. A disc plough is used to turn over and break up the soil to create furrows for planting crops, while a disc harrow is used to break up clumps of soil, level the ground, and prepare it for planting by chopping up weeds, roots, and plant residue. The disc part of a plough is notched, which helps it to cut through the soil, while the disc part of a harrow is round, which allows it to smooth out the soil surface.

Answer Details

To eliminate food shortage, farmers should cultivate more varieties of crops. This means growing different types of crops that are suitable for the local climate and soil conditions. By growing a variety of crops, farmers can reduce their dependence on a single crop, which can be vulnerable to pests, diseases, and other environmental factors. Furthermore, farmers can also use crop rotation, a farming technique where different crops are planted in a specific sequence, to improve soil fertility and reduce pests and diseases. This helps to increase crop yields and ensure a more sustainable food supply. While land tenure by inheritance and constructing farm buildings can be helpful for farmers, they may not directly address food shortage. Similarly, shifting from crop to animal production may not be the most effective solution, as it can require more resources and land to produce the same amount of food.

Answer Details

Most biological activity in soil occurs in the A-horizon. The A-horizon, also known as the topsoil, is the uppermost layer of soil that is composed of a mixture of mineral particles, organic matter, and living organisms. This layer is particularly rich in organic matter, which provides a food source for microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi that play a vital role in breaking down organic materials and releasing nutrients that plants can use for growth. Additionally, the A-horizon is where plant roots grow and interact with soil organisms, which can influence the health and productivity of both plants and soil. Therefore, the A-horizon is considered the most biologically active layer of soil.

Answer Details

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.

Answer Details

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

Answer Details

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.

Answer Details

Land race is not a breed of rabbits. Landrace is actually a breed of domestic pigs that originated in Denmark, and is known for its good maternal instincts and high fertility. New Zealand White, Chinchilla, and Californian White, on the other hand, are all breeds of rabbits. New Zealand White is a breed that is commonly used for meat production, while Chinchilla is a breed that is valued for its soft and dense fur. Californian White is a breed that was developed in the United States, and is also commonly used for meat production. Therefore, Land race is the option that is not a breed of rabbits, but rather a breed of domestic pigs.

Answer Details

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.

Answer Details

General symptoms include stunted growth, delayed maturity, reduced fertility, lowered milk yield, unthrift ness, fragile bones and paralytic syndromes. This can be rectified by feeding of good quality roughages and including mineral mixtures in ration of young and producing stocks and by use of salt bricks. Deficiency in vitamin cannot improve fertility rather it decreases it, leads to loss of appetite, scurvy and rickets.

Answer Details

Mobile nutrients are nitrogen in the form of nitrate, phosphorus (P) in the form of phosphate, potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), chlorine (Cl), zinc (Zn) and molybdene (Mo). Calcium (Ca), sulfur (S), iron (Fe), boron (B) and copper (Cu) are immobile. Boron (B) is highly immobile because of its size. Therefore, choice A is correct.

Answer Details

The reduction of ten seedlings of maize to two per stand is referred to as Thinning. Thinning is the process of removing some of the weaker or excess seedlings in a plant stand to allow the remaining plants to have enough space, light, and nutrients to grow properly. This helps to ensure that each plant has enough resources to reach maturity and produce a good yield. In the case of maize seedlings, if there are too many plants growing in close proximity, they may compete with each other for resources, leading to smaller and weaker plants. By thinning the stand down to two seedlings per stand, you are providing the remaining plants with the necessary resources they need to grow strong and healthy.

Answer Details

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.

Answer Details

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.

Answer Details

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.

Answer Details

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.

Answer Details

Land-use practices can harm soil. The way people use land can affect the levels of nutrients and pollution in soil. Any activity that exposes soil to wind and rain can lead to soil loss. Farming, construction and development, and mining are among the main activities that impact soil resources. Flooding, over grazing and bush burning all have a harmful effect on the soil. Crop rotation is the practice of growing a series of dissimilar or different types of crops in the same area in sequenced seasons.

Answer Details

Rice is the cereal crop that most requires nursery practices. Rice is typically started from seed in a controlled nursery environment before being transplanted to the field. This process is known as "direct seeding" and it involves sowing the rice seeds in a seedbed or nursery, where they can be carefully tended and protected from pests and other threats until they are strong enough to be transplanted. Nursery practices for rice can include things like preparing the seedbed, selecting high-quality seeds, managing water and nutrients, controlling pests and diseases, and ensuring proper spacing between seedlings. Once the seedlings have grown to a certain size and are strong enough to withstand transplanting, they are carefully uprooted and moved to the main field. While other cereal crops like maize, millet, and guinea corn can also benefit from certain nursery practices, they are typically started directly in the field through methods like broadcasting or drilling. Rice, on the other hand, is more commonly transplanted from a nursery, making it the cereal crop that most requires nursery practices.

Answer Details

Oil palm trees do well in soils with a pH level between 5.5 and 6.5. Soil pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of the soil, and it affects the availability of nutrients to plants. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with a pH of 7 considered neutral. Values below 7 are considered acidic, and those above 7 are alkaline. Oil palm trees have specific nutrient requirements, and the availability of these nutrients can be affected by soil pH. Soils with a pH level between 5.5 and 6.5 are considered slightly acidic to neutral, which is optimal for oil palm growth and production. In soils that are too acidic or alkaline, certain nutrients may be unavailable to the plant, leading to nutrient deficiencies and reduced yields. It's worth noting that different soils have varying levels of acidity or alkalinity, and it's important to test the soil pH level before planting oil palm trees to ensure the soil is suitable for the crop. Soil pH can be adjusted through the application of soil amendments such as lime to increase the pH or sulfur to decrease the pH, depending on the specific needs of the soil and the crop.

Answer Details

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.

Answer Details

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.

Answer Details

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.

Answer Details

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.