(a) Outline six benefits derived from growing ornamental plants, [6 marks]
(b) State four symptoms of cassava mosaic disease. [4 marks]
(c) Explain the following terms as used in forest management. (i) selective exploitation (ii) regeneration (iii) taungya farming [6 marks]
Explanation
(a) Benefits derived from growing ornamental plants
– Source of employment/income to florists •
-Flowers are used for the expression of love and as gifts on special occasions
-Shade loving ornamentals can be used for decoration in porches, verandahs and halls
-Densely branched ornamental shrubs can be used for. fencing
– Used for visual screening or concealing views to provide privacy
– Pruning and clipping from hedges can be used as compost materials or mulch
– Some ornamental plants have medicinal value and are used in herbal preparation
– Some ornamental trees have edible fruits for human consumption
– Fixing of atmospheric nitrogen into the soil by bacteria in the root nodules of leguminous ornamental plants
-Decay of the leaves of ornamental plants improves soil fertility
– Purifies the environment
– Provides shade in car parks and public places
– Helps to absorb and reflect sound waves to reduce noise from hooting horns from vehicles
-Some ornamental plants are used for teaching and learning purposes
– Helps to reduce light blurrs on major roads to prevent accidents in the night
– Serves as windbreaks
– The beauty and fragrance of some ornamental plants give some people pleasure and satisfaction
– Ornamental plants can be used to direct the movement of people through the planting of avenues trees in curves, hedges along path in school compounds etc.
– Beautification of environment
– Flowers and leaves are used for floral design such as wreaths. bouquets, garlands
– Some flowers are used in the preparation of dyes
– Prunings from ornamented plants may be used in feeding animals
– Source of revenue to the government through taxation
– Well established ornamental gardens serve as tourist attraction.
(b) Symptoms of Cassava mosaic disease
– Mottling of leaves/leaf curl
– Distortion of leaves and stems
-Vein clearing
-Stunted growth
-Development of yellowish pale areas alternating with green patches on the leaves / mosaic pattern on the leaves.
(c) Explanation of forest management terms
(i) Selective exploitation
-This is the legal felling of trees based on criteria such as maturity and species
– it helps to protect the soil from erosion and at the same time encourages continuous supply of timber.
(ii) Regeneration
– This is the process of forest re-growth after it has been exploited
– It can occur either by re-growing from old stumps or deliberate planting of new forest seedlings in a deforested area. ((May be natural or artificial)
(iii) Taungya farming: This is a management practice which involves the planting of food crops and some forest trees at the same time until the canopy of the trees close up.