Beat the Bugs: Wheat Termite Management Quiz Quiz

Challenge your understanding of effective termite control strategies in wheat agriculture. Explore best practices, chemical methods, and the biology behind termite infestations in crop systems.

1. Identification of Termite Damage

   Which visible symptom most reliably indicates termite infestation in a wheat field?

   1. Irregular brown stripes on leaves
   2. Uprooted or drying wheat plants with hollowed stems near the base
   3. Presence of webbing between wheat ears
   4. Yellowing of older leaves only

   Explanation: Termites often eat away the base of wheat stems, causing hollowing and leading to plant wilting or collapse. Yellowing of older leaves is a common nutrient issue, not specific to termites. Brown stripes typically indicate leaf spot diseases, and webbing suggests insect pests like caterpillars or mites, not termites.

2. Timing of Termite Attacks

   During which crop growth stage are wheat plants most vulnerable to termite damage?

   1. Grain setting stage
   2. Seedling and early tillering stage
   3. Flowering stage
   4. Harvest stage

   Explanation: Wheat is most susceptible to termites when plants are young, as they have softer tissues and weaker root systems. Flowering and grain setting stages can experience some damage, but the plants are usually more robust. At harvest, plants are mature, and termite damage is less likely to affect yield.

3. Cultural Control Methods

   What is a common cultural practice to reduce termite risk in wheat farming?

   1. Delaying planting until late winter
   2. Overwatering the field before sowing
   3. Removal of crop residues and stubbles from previous seasons
   4. Mixing sandy soil into the topsoil

   Explanation: Removing plant residues discourages termites, as the material can harbor colonies and food. Overwatering can lead to other issues but does not directly prevent termites. Adding sandy soil isn't a standard preventive measure, and delaying planting increases the risk of other pests and affects crop timing.

4. Chemical Control Agents

   Which type of pesticide is commonly recommended for treating wheat seeds to protect against termites?

   1. Systemic insecticidal dust or solution
   2. Copper-based fungicide
   3. Herbicide with broadleaf activity
   4. Natural plant hormone treatment

   Explanation: Systemic insecticides applied as a seed treatment protect the germinating wheat from termite attack by distributing the chemical internally. Copper-based fungicides target fungal pathogens, not insects. Herbicides are weed killers and plant hormone treatments are for growth regulation, not pest control.

5. Integrated Pest Management Approach

   In integrated pest management (IPM), what is the primary benefit of combining resistant wheat varieties with other control measures against termites?

   1. Increased sensitivity of termites to fertilizers
   2. Reduced reliance on chemical pesticides
   3. Accelerated wheat germination regardless of pest pressure
   4. Complete elimination of soil invertebrates

   Explanation: Resistant varieties, combined with cultural and biological controls, decrease the necessity for chemical inputs, making pest management safer and more sustainable. There is no evidence that resistance increases fertilizer effects or speeds up germination. Soil invertebrates, many of which are beneficial, are not completely eliminated by IPM practices.