Bhendi Defenders Quiz Quiz

Explore essential plant protection techniques and pest management practices for bhendi (okra) cultivation. Sharpen your knowledge of effective strategies to safeguard yields and plant health in horticultural settings.

1. Identifying Yellow Vein Mosaic Virus in Bhendi

   A farmer notices yellowing of veins and mosaic patterns on bhendi leaves. Which disease is most likely responsible for these symptoms?

   1. Root Rot
   2. Powdery Mildew
   3. Leaf Spot
   4. Yellow Vein Mosaic Virus

   Explanation: Yellow Vein Mosaic Virus causes characteristic yellowing of leaf veins and mosaic symptoms in bhendi. Powdery mildew appears as white powdery patches; root rot leads to wilting and root decay; leaf spot manifests as circular spots, not overall vein yellowing.

2. Effective Chemical Control for Bhendi Aphids

   When aphid infestation is severe on bhendi plants, which insecticide is commonly recommended for their control under good agricultural practices?

   1. Carbofuran
   2. Copper oxychloride
   3. Imidacloprid
   4. Glyphosate

   Explanation: Imidacloprid is a selective systemic insecticide effective against sap-sucking pests like aphids. Glyphosate is a herbicide, not used for insects; copper oxychloride is a fungicide; carbofuran, while insecticidal, is less preferred due to toxicity concerns.

3. Biological Control of Fruit Borers in Bhendi

   Which natural enemy is commonly released in bhendi fields to control fruit and shoot borer larvae?

   1. Ladybird beetle
   2. Aphidius colemani
   3. Trichogramma chilonis
   4. Honey bee

   Explanation: Trichogramma chilonis is a tiny parasitoid wasp that targets the eggs of fruit borers, limiting their population. Ladybird beetles mainly eat aphids; honey bees are pollinators and not pest controllers; Aphidius colemani parasitizes aphids, not fruit borers.

4. Role of Crop Rotation in Bhendi Plant Protection

   Why is rotating bhendi with non-host crops like cereals recommended in plant protection strategies?

   1. To enhance irrigation efficiency
   2. To break pest and disease cycles
   3. To reduce fertilizer usage
   4. To increase fruit size

   Explanation: Rotating with non-host crops interrupts cycles of pests and diseases that primarily affect bhendi, reducing future infestations. It does not directly affect fruit size, fertilizer use, or irrigation efficiency in a significant way.

5. Proper Timing of Insecticide Application

   When should insecticides generally be applied to bhendi plants for optimal pest control?

   1. During rainfall
   2. Early morning or late afternoon
   3. At random intervals
   4. Midday

   Explanation: Insecticides are most effective and less likely to harm pollinators when sprayed early morning or late afternoon. Midday treatments risk volatilization and harm to beneficial insects; spraying during rainfall reduces effectiveness; random intervals lack strategic targeting.