10 Must-Know Crop Science Topics for the Agriculture Board Exam

Introduction

The Crop Science section of the Agriculture PRC board exam is one of the most comprehensive parts of the test. Covering everything from plant physiology to harvest management, it requires a solid understanding of how crops grow and how to optimize their production.

1. Photosynthesis and Plant Physiology

Understanding photosynthesis is fundamental. Know the difference between C3, C4, and CAM plants. Rice and wheat are C3 plants; corn and sugarcane are C4. C4 plants are more efficient in hot, sunny conditions.

2. Crop Growth Stages

Know the phenological stages for major crops — rice, corn, and vegetables. For rice: germination → seedling → tillering → panicle initiation → flowering → grain filling → maturity. The flowering stage is the most critical for water.

3. Plant Hormones

4. Crop Classification

Classify crops by: use (food, fiber, forage), life cycle (annual, biennial, perennial), temperature (tropical, temperate), and photoperiod response (short-day, long-day, day-neutral).

5. Rice Production Systems

Philippine rice production covers wet and dry seasons. Understand transplanted vs. direct-seeded methods, spacing recommendations (20x20 cm standard), and water management (alternate wetting and drying).

6. Pest and Disease Management

Key pests: brown planthopper (BPH), stem borer, rice blast. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles are heavily tested. Know the economic threshold concept.

7. Crop Rotation and Intercropping

Benefits: breaks pest cycles, improves soil fertility, reduces erosion. Classic Philippine example: rice–corn rotation. Intercropping systems improve land use efficiency.

8. Seed Technology

Know seed certification classes: breeder, foundation, registered, certified. Understand seed germination requirements, dormancy, and vigor testing.

9. Fertilizer Application

NPK roles: N for leaves, P for roots, K for quality. Understand timing: basal application at planting, top dressing at tillering. Urea (46-0-0) is the most common nitrogen source.

10. Harvest and Post-Harvest

Harvest index, threshing, drying, and storage methods. Rice harvest at 20-25% moisture content; dry to 14% for safe storage. Post-harvest losses in the Philippines average 10-15%.

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