Bengal Gram Bug Busters Quiz Quiz

Challenge your understanding of pest management strategies for Bengal gram in agriculture with scenario-based questions about common insect pests and environmentally sound control methods.

1. Pod Borer Identification

   A farmer notices small holes in Bengal gram pods and droppings inside; which insect pest is most likely responsible for this damage?

   1. Bruchid beetle
   2. Helicoverpa armigera
   3. Red Cotton Bug
   4. Aphid nigris

   Explanation: Helicoverpa armigera, the pod borer, is known for making holes in pods and leaving frass. Aphid nigris mainly sucks sap and does not bore holes. Bruchid beetles typically infest stored seeds, not fresh pods. Red Cotton Bug infests cotton and is not a common pest of Bengal gram.

2. Economic Threshold Level (ETL)

   When managing Bengal gram pest infestations, why is it important to consider the Economic Threshold Level before spraying insecticides?

   1. It destroys beneficial insects
   2. To minimize unnecessary pesticide use
   3. It guarantees higher market prices
   4. Because it improves seed vigor

   Explanation: Using ETL helps avoid unneeded applications, reducing costs and potential environmental harm. It does not directly impact seed vigor, market prices, or aim to destroy beneficial insects. Ignoring ETL may unnecessarily harm beneficial species.

3. Natural Enemies Role

   Ladybird beetles are seen feeding on pests in a Bengal gram field. How do these insects contribute to pest management?

   1. They act as natural predators of aphids
   2. They attack plant roots
   3. They remove weed seeds
   4. They spread fungal diseases

   Explanation: Ladybird beetles primarily feed on aphids and help control their populations naturally. They do not attack roots, spread diseases, or remove weed seeds; these roles either belong to other organisms or are irrelevant to ladybird beetles.

4. Cultural Controls

   Which cultural practice best reduces the population of soil-borne insect pests in Bengal gram cultivation?

   1. Continuous monoculture
   2. Late sowing
   3. Overwatering
   4. Crop rotation

   Explanation: Crop rotation disrupts pest life cycles and lowers pest buildup in the soil. Overwatering can harm the crop and does not reduce pests. Late sowing can increase pest risks, while continuous monoculture encourages more pest problems.

5. Safe Pesticide Use

   What is the most important reason for using selective insecticides in Bengal gram pest management programs?

   1. To speed up plant growth
   2. To conserve beneficial insects
   3. To decrease rainfall impact
   4. To prevent fertilizer leaching

   Explanation: Selective insecticides target pests while sparing beneficial insects, supporting natural pest control. They do not influence rainfall, plant growth, or fertilizer leaching; those are unrelated to the choice of insecticide.