Describe with the aid of a labelled diagram the life cycle of a named fungus that affects the potato plant - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question a - 2018
Question a
Describe with the aid of a labelled diagram the life cycle of a named fungus that affects the potato plant.
(b) Describe the cultivation of a named cereal under the... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Describe with the aid of a labelled diagram the life cycle of a named fungus that affects the potato plant - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question a - 2018
Step 1
Describe with the aid of a labelled diagram the life cycle of a named fungus that affects the potato plant.
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Answer
The named fungus is Phytophthora infestans, commonly known as potato blight. The life cycle involves several key stages:
Sporangium Development: In moist conditions, the fungus produces sporangia, which are contained in structures that resemble small capsules.
Release of Zoospores: When conditions are favorable, sporangia release zoospores, which are motile and can swim through water.
Infection of Potato Plants: These zoospores infect potato plants by penetrating the leaf surfaces, leading to the disease.
Colonization: The fungus grows within the plant tissues, causing symptoms such as wilting and browning.
Formation of New Sporangia: Eventually, new sporangia form, particularly when the plant is under stress, allowing for further spread of the fungus.
A labelled diagram would show the stages, including the sporangium, zoospores, and infected potato plant.
Step 2
Describe the cultivation of a named cereal under the following headings: (i) Soil requirements
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Answer
For barley, the ideal soil pH is between 6.0 and 6.5, favoring fertile sandy loam or well-drained/brown earth or grey-brown soils.
Step 3
Describe the cultivation of a named cereal under the following headings: (ii) Climate
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Barley thrives in warm, moist conditions with plenty of sunshine.
Step 4
Describe the cultivation of a named cereal under the following headings: (iii) Harvest date
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The harvest date for barley is typically from July to September.
Step 5
Describe the cultivation of a named cereal under the following headings: (iv) Yield
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Answer
The yield for barley can vary, but is generally around 8 to 9 tons per hectare for spring barley and 9 to 11 tons per hectare for winter barley.
Step 6
Explain what is meant by indirect control of weeds in crops.
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Answer
Indirect control of weeds refers to strategies that reduce weed competition without directly targeting the weeds. This approach includes practices such as crop rotation and using certified seeds to promote healthy crop growth.
Step 7
Give four examples of such indirect control.
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Answer
Crop rotation to disrupt the life cycle of weeds.
Encouraging natural predators that target weeds.
Stubble cleaning to remove residual weeds.
Integrated pest management to enhance crop health and reduce weed presence.
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