Evaluate your understanding of wheat pest control strategies with a focus on the Pink Stem Borer. Learn about identification, damage symptoms, and integrated management in modern agriculture.
Which symptom most reliably indicates Pink Stem Borer infestation in wheat fields?
Explanation: Deadhearts in young plants are a typical sign of Pink Stem Borer damage, resulting from larval feeding inside stems. Wilting from root rot is caused by soil-borne pathogens, not insect pests. Sooty mold growth usually follows sap-feeding insects rather than borers. Yellowing at leaf tips alone is a general symptom and not specific for stem borer damage.
At which wheat crop stage is the Pink Stem Borer most likely to cause significant harm?
Explanation: Pink Stem Borer damage is most pronounced during the early tillering stage, as larvae attack the central shoots causing deadhearts. Damage during grain filling or harvest is minimal, and seedling emergence is usually too early for borer infestation. Managing the pest at the right crop stage is critical for effective control.
Which cultural practice helps reduce Pink Stem Borer populations in wheat fields?
Explanation: Timely sowing allows plants to escape peak borer activity and reduce infestation. Over-irrigation can favor some pests but doesn't target borers. Monoculture actually increases pest risks. Late harvesting enables pests to complete their lifecycle, raising future infestations.
Which of the following is a natural enemy used for biological suppression of the Pink Stem Borer?
Explanation: Trichogramma wasps parasitize borer eggs, helping reduce their numbers. Aphids and spider mites are pests themselves, not predators. Earthworms are beneficial for soil health but do not prey on borers or their eggs.
What is the primary concern when using chemical insecticides to manage Pink Stem Borer in wheat?
Explanation: Overuse or incorrect application of insecticides can lead to resistance in Pink Stem Borer populations, making future control difficult. Chemical application does not directly increase yields, affect fertilizer, or improve pollinators; in fact, it may harm beneficial insects.