Beat the Borer Quiz Quiz

Explore core concepts in wheat pest management, including pest identification, control methods, and sustainable practices for healthier crops.

1. Identifying a Major Wheat Pest

   Which of the following is commonly recognized as a serious pest of wheat crops, known for boring into stems and reducing yield?

   1. Aphid
   2. Rice weevil
   3. Corn rootworm
   4. Wheat stem borer

   Explanation: The wheat stem borer is a significant pest that bores into wheat stems, directly harming the plant and lowering yields. Corn rootworm and rice weevil mainly affect other crops, while aphids suck sap but do not bore into stems. Only wheat stem borer matches the description.

2. Cultural Control Practices

   What farming practice can help reduce wheat stem borer infestations by removing insect breeding sites in crop residues?

   1. Random irrigation
   2. Late planting
   3. Excessive pesticide use
   4. Field sanitation

   Explanation: Field sanitation involves removing crop residues post-harvest, eliminating breeding sites for pests like stem borers. Late planting can increase pest risk, random irrigation does not help manage this pest specifically, and excessive pesticide use can cause resistance or harm beneficial species.

3. Role of Natural Enemies

   How can natural enemies like ladybird beetles and spiders contribute to wheat pest management?

   1. By pollinating wheat flowers
   2. By spreading fungal diseases
   3. By increasing soil salinity
   4. By preying on pest insects

   Explanation: Natural enemies help manage pest populations by preying on them. They do not pollinate wheat, spread plant diseases, or alter soil chemistry. Biological control is a key sustainable management strategy.

4. Chemical Control Considerations

   Why is it important to rotate different classes of pesticides when managing wheat pests?

   1. To delay pest resistance
   2. To reduce irrigation needs
   3. To enhance seed germination
   4. To increase sunlight absorption

   Explanation: Rotating pesticide classes helps slow the development of resistance in pest populations. This practice does not affect irrigation, seed germination, or sunlight absorption. Using different chemicals preserves pesticide effectiveness.

5. Economic Threshold in Pest Management

   What is the economic threshold in wheat pest management?

   1. The maximum number of pesticide applications in a season
   2. The price at which wheat is profitable to grow
   3. The number of days between irrigation cycles
   4. The pest population at which control should begin to prevent economic loss

   Explanation: The economic threshold is the pest density that triggers control measures to avoid crop loss. It is unrelated to wheat pricing, pesticide application limits, or irrigation schedules. This concept ensures interventions are both practical and cost-effective.