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6. (a) List four components of a blight control programme for maincrop potatoes - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question 6 - 2010
Question 6
6. (a) List four components of a blight control programme for maincrop potatoes. (b) Give four reasons why scutch grass (Agropyron repens) is considered by til... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:6. (a) List four components of a blight control programme for maincrop potatoes - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question 6 - 2010
Step 1
List four components of a blight control programme for maincrop potatoes.
Answer
- Sow certified seed: Using certified seeds helps to ensure the plants are disease-free.
- Eliminate volunteers: Remove any previous crop remnants that could harbor blight.
- Begin spray program early: Initiate fungicide spraying before the onset of blight, based on local guidelines.
- Monitor weather alerts: Stay informed on weather conditions conducive to blight, spraying as required.
Step 2
Give four reasons why scutch grass (Agropyron repens) is considered by tillage farmers to be a troublesome weed.
Answer
- Creeping growth: Scutch grass has underground rhizomes that spread quickly, making it hard to control.
- Persistent nature: The plant can survive multiple cultivation attempts, proving difficult to eradicate.
- Competition: It competes effectively with crops for water and nutrients, leading to reduced yields.
- Resistance to herbicides: Scutch grass may show resistance to common herbicides, complicating control measures.
Step 3
Explain the following terms:
Answer
(i) Plough pan: This is a hard layer of soil formed approximately 20-25 cm below the soil surface due to repeated ploughing. It can hinder root development and drainage due to compacted layers.
(ii) Nitrogen fixation: This is the process in which atmospheric nitrogen is converted into a usable form, such as nitrates, through the action of specific bacteria in the soil. These bacteria can be free-living or symbiotic with legumes.
Step 4
Describe how you would calculate the 1000 grain weight of a cereal.
Answer
To calculate the 1000 grain weight of a cereal such as wheat, the following steps should be taken:
- Collect a sample of the grains, ensuring they are clean and undamaged.
- Count out 1000 grains from the sample.
- Weigh the 1000 grains using a precise scale.
- Record the weight and ensure to repeat the process for accuracy if necessary.