Beat the Chilli Borer Challenge Quiz

Explore effective pest management strategies and biological controls for chilli crops, focusing on identifying and tackling major threats such as the fruit borer. Perfect for growers and enthusiasts looking to improve chilli yields through informed practices.

1. Detecting the Main Pest

   Which insect is most responsible for significant fruit damage in chilli crops, often boring into the fruit and causing internal rot?

   1. Aphids
   2. Whiteflies
   3. Helicoverpa armigera
   4. Mealybugs

   Explanation: Helicoverpa armigera, commonly called the fruit borer, is notorious for attacking chilli fruits by boring and feeding internally, leading to serious crop losses. Aphids and mealybugs mainly feed on plant sap and do not bore into fruits. Whiteflies are primarily leaf pests and do not cause internal fruit damage.

2. Cultural Management Practice

   What is a recommended cultural practice to reduce the population of chilli fruit borers in the field?

   1. Growing chillies in deep shade
   2. Timely removal of infested fruits
   3. Spraying excessive water
   4. Increasing fertilizer application

   Explanation: Timely removal and destruction of infested fruits can break the pest's lifecycle and lower population buildup. Increasing fertilizers and excessive watering do not directly target the pest. Deep shade typically weakens chilli plants and may encourage other diseases rather than reduce borer attacks.

3. Biological Control Agent

   Which biological agent is commonly used to control the chilli fruit borer by acting as a natural enemy?

   1. Rhizobium
   2. Azospirillum
   3. Trichogramma chilonis
   4. Nitrosomonas

   Explanation: Trichogramma chilonis is an egg parasitoid released to parasitize fruit borer eggs, reducing pest emergence. Rhizobium, Nitrosomonas, and Azospirillum are beneficial soil bacteria used mainly for promoting plant growth, not for direct pest control.

4. Safe Chemical Usage Timing

   When should chemical insecticides be applied to chilli crops for effective chilli borer management while minimizing harm to beneficial organisms?

   1. During the hottest midday hours
   2. Only after harvesting
   3. Continuously throughout the day
   4. At dusk or early morning

   Explanation: Applying insecticides at dusk or early morning targets pests while they are active and minimizes exposure to pollinators and natural enemies. Midday is risky due to high temperatures and non-target impacts. Continuous spraying is harmful and wasteful. Post-harvest applications do not protect the crop.

5. Monitoring Pest Population

   Which monitoring method is often used to gauge chilli fruit borer activity and inform timely pest management decisions?

   1. Spreading mulch excessively
   2. Planting chilli densely
   3. Burning crop residues indiscriminately
   4. Installing pheromone traps

   Explanation: Pheromone traps attract and catch male borers, helping monitor population trends for timely interventions. Dense planting and excessive mulch do not directly monitor pests. Burning crop residues is an indiscriminate method that may pose environmental hazards and is not a monitoring tool.