Bengal Gram Bug Busters Quiz

Explore essential concepts and best practices for managing insect pests in Bengal gram cultivation. Improve your understanding of pest identification, control strategies, and integrated approaches for healthier crops.

1. Identifying the Pod Borer

   Which insect pest is commonly known for boring holes into Bengal gram pods and feeding on developing seeds?

   1. Helicoverpa armigera
   2. Whitefly
   3. Red cotton bug
   4. Aphid nymphs

   Explanation: Helicoverpa armigera is a major pest of Bengal gram, feeding on seeds by boring into pods. Aphid nymphs sap plant juices but do not bore pods. Red cotton bug typically infests cotton and doesn't bore Bengal gram pods. Whitefly affects crops by transmitting viruses, not by boring.

2. Safe Chemical Use

   When considering chemical control for insect pests in Bengal gram, what is the safest practice to reduce the risk of pest resistance development?

   1. Rotating insecticides with different modes of action
   2. Applying the same insecticide repeatedly
   3. Spraying at double the recommended dose
   4. Mixing two insecticides every time

   Explanation: Rotating insecticides helps delay resistance by reducing selective pressure on a single mode of action. Repeated use of the same product accelerates resistance. Overdosing can harm crops and the environment. Mixing insecticides may not always provide added benefit and can be unsafe if not done properly.

3. Cultural Control Example

   Which cultural practice is recommended to lower the population of soil-borne insect pests in Bengal gram fields?

   1. Frequent pruning
   2. Deep summer ploughing
   3. Excess fertilizer application
   4. Constant irrigation

   Explanation: Deep summer ploughing exposes pests like larvae and pupae to predators and sunlight, reducing their numbers. Constant irrigation can increase the risk of fungal diseases. Excess fertilizer does not target pests and could harm soil. Pruning is uncommon for Bengal gram and ineffective against soil pests.

4. Natural Enemy Benefits

   What is the main reason for conserving ladybird beetles in Bengal gram fields?

   1. They lay eggs on crop stems to repel pests
   2. They pollinate Bengal gram flowers
   3. They feed on aphids that damage the crop
   4. Their larvae tunnel into pods to eat pests

   Explanation: Ladybird beetles are natural predators of aphids, contributing to pest control. They do not pollinate Bengal gram flowers. Neither the adults nor larvae tunnel into pods. Their egg-laying habits do not repel pests directly.

5. Trap Crops for Pest Diversion

   Which crop is often planted nearby Bengal gram as a trap crop to lure Helicoverpa armigera away from the main crop?

   1. Rice
   2. Wheat
   3. Maize
   4. Marigold

   Explanation: Marigold is commonly used as a trap crop because Helicoverpa armigera prefers it, reducing pest pressure on Bengal gram. Wheat, maize, and rice are not effective trap crops for this purpose in Bengal gram systems.