Theory question 105
Crop Improvement(a) State four aims of crop improvement.
(b) Give four conditions necessary for seed germination.
(c) State the importance of conducting a germination test.
(d) Discuss briefly three problems associated with the use of poor quality planting materials.
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(a) Any four: higher yield; better quality produce; resistance to pests and diseases; tolerance of drought or poor soils; early maturity; uniform growth and ease of harvesting; better storage quality.
(b) Water (moisture); oxygen (air); suitable temperature; a viable seed (live embryo, dormancy broken).
(c) It shows the percentage of seeds that will grow (viability), so the farmer knows the seed rate to use and whether to buy the seed.
(d) Any three explained: poor or uneven germination, giving gaps and low plant population; weak plants that grow slowly and yield little; introduction of pests and diseases to the farm; extra cost of replanting; non-uniform maturity.
In (d), say what each problem does to the crop, not just name it.