Bengal Gram Bug Buster Quiz Quiz

Sharpen your knowledge of pest management strategies for Bengal gram cultivation. Explore key concepts and practical scenarios related to insect pest control in agriculture.

1. Identifying Key Pests

   Which insect is the main pod-boring pest of Bengal gram that causes significant yield loss by feeding on developing seeds?

   1. Helicoverpa armigera
   2. Spodoptera litura
   3. Aphidoidea
   4. Pieris brassicae

   Explanation: Helicoverpa armigera is a major pod-borer pest in Bengal gram, damaging seeds and reducing yields. Aphidoidea mostly affects plant sap rather than pods. Spodoptera litura feeds on leaves, not seeds. Pieris brassicae targets cruciferous crops, not Bengal gram.

2. Cultural Control Practices

   What cultural practice can help reduce the population of soil-borne insect pests in Bengal gram fields before sowing?

   1. Drip irrigation
   2. Deep ploughing
   3. Late sowing
   4. Monocropping

   Explanation: Deep ploughing exposes pest larvae and pupae to predators and sunlight, reducing pest survival in soil. Drip irrigation manages water, not soil pests. Late sowing can worsen pest attacks due to timing. Monocropping can actually increase pest risk by reducing biodiversity.

3. Biological Control Agents

   Which natural enemy is commonly used to biologically control Helicoverpa armigera in Bengal gram fields?

   1. Trichogramma chilonis
   2. Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis
   3. Aphidius colemani
   4. Ladybird beetles

   Explanation: Trichogramma chilonis is a parasitoid wasp that attacks Helicoverpa eggs. Ladybird beetles mainly control aphids. Aphidius colemani also targets aphids. Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis is effective against mosquitoes, not Helicoverpa.

4. Safe Use of Chemical Pesticides

   Why is it important to follow the recommended waiting period before harvesting Bengal gram after pesticide application?

   1. To minimize pesticide residues in the harvested crop
   2. To reduce crop yield loss
   3. To prevent fungal infections
   4. To improve seed germination rate

   Explanation: Following the waiting period allows pesticides to degrade, reducing residues in the final product. Yield loss, fungal infection prevention, and seed germination are not directly related to the post-application waiting period.

5. Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

   Which statement best describes the approach of Integrated Pest Management in Bengal gram cultivation?

   1. It relies solely on chemical pesticides for quick results.
   2. It encourages frequent pesticide applications regardless of pest presence.
   3. It combines multiple control methods to manage pests economically and sustainably.
   4. It focuses only on planting resistant varieties.

   Explanation: IPM integrates cultural, biological, mechanical, and chemical strategies for sustainable pest control. Sole reliance on chemicals or resistant varieties is more limited, and unnecessary pesticide use can harm the environment.