Caterpillar Busters in Bengal Gram Quiz

Explore key methods and concepts used to manage caterpillar pests in Bengal gram cultivation. This quiz covers identification, prevention, biological and chemical control strategies specific to chickpea farming.

1. Recognizing key caterpillar pests in Bengal gram

   Which of the following is the primary caterpillar pest causing damage to Bengal gram crops by feeding on leaves and pods?

   1. Spodoptera frugiperda
   2. Helicoverpa armigera
   3. Tuta absoluta
   4. Plutella xylostella

   Explanation: Helicoverpa armigera, also known as the gram pod borer, is the most significant caterpillar pest for Bengal gram, attacking foliage, flowers, and pods. Spodoptera frugiperda (fall armyworm) affects primarily maize, Plutella xylostella (diamondback moth) targets crucifers, and Tuta absoluta mainly infests tomatoes.

2. Biological control options

   Which biological control agent is commonly used to naturally reduce Helicoverpa armigera populations in Bengal gram fields?

   1. Aphidius colemani
   2. Trichogramma chilonis
   3. Predatory mites
   4. Ladybird beetle

   Explanation: Trichogramma chilonis is an egg parasitoid wasp that effectively controls Helicoverpa armigera by laying eggs inside pest eggs. Ladybird beetles primarily feed on aphids, predatory mites target mites and thrips, and Aphidius colemani is a parasitoid for aphids, not caterpillars.

3. Resistant varieties

   Planting which type of Bengal gram variety can help lower the risk of caterpillar attack and crop loss?

   1. High-yield variety
   2. Pest-resistant variety
   3. Drought-tolerant variety
   4. Late-maturing variety

   Explanation: Pest-resistant varieties are bred to reduce pest incidence and the resulting damage. High-yield varieties focus on productivity, drought-tolerant types address water scarcity, and late-maturing varieties affect harvest timing, but none specifically offer caterpillar resistance.

4. Monitoring strategies

   What is an effective way for farmers to monitor and detect early infestations of Helicoverpa armigera in Bengal gram?

   1. Increasing irrigation
   2. Using pheromone traps
   3. Applying fertilizer
   4. Mixing crops at random

   Explanation: Pheromone traps specifically attract and capture adult moths, providing early warning of pest presence. Fertilizer and irrigation are crop management tools unrelated to pest detection. Random crop mixing does not help specifically monitor caterpillars.

5. Chemical control considerations

   When chemical controls are required against caterpillars in Bengal gram, what practice helps delay resistance development?

   1. Using higher than recommended doses
   2. Spraying water only
   3. Rotating insecticides with different modes of action
   4. Applying the same insecticide continuously

   Explanation: Rotating insecticides with different action modes slows resistance development by reducing selection pressure. Using one chemical repeatedly increases resistance risk, spraying water has no pesticidal effect, and excessive dosing is unsafe and environmentally harmful.