Chilli Shield Challenge Quiz

Explore key strategies and identification skills for effective chilli plant protection in horticulture, covering common pests, diseases, and control methods to optimize crop health.

1. Pest Identification

   Which pest is known for causing severe leaf curl and yellowing in chilli plants by sucking sap from the underside of leaves?

   1. Thrips
   2. Fruit borers
   3. Cutworms
   4. Aphids

   Explanation: Thrips are small insects that feed on chilli plant leaves, causing curling and yellowing due to sap extraction. Aphids also suck sap but typically result in sticky residue. Fruit borers primarily damage the fruit, not leaves. Cutworms attack seedlings by cutting stems at soil level, not by causing leaf curl.

2. Disease Management

   What is the most effective cultural practice to minimize the spread of anthracnose disease in chilli crops?

   1. Crop rotation
   2. Heavy irrigation
   3. Late harvesting
   4. Fertilizer application

   Explanation: Crop rotation reduces the buildup of pathogens like those causing anthracnose in the soil. Fertilizer alone does not prevent disease spread. Heavy irrigation may worsen fungal diseases by increasing humidity. Late harvesting increases risk as fruits are exposed longer to pathogens.

3. Chemical Control Timing

   Why is it important to apply insecticides during the early morning or late evening when managing pests on chilli plants?

   1. Reduces fertilizer runoff
   2. Minimizes harm to pollinators
   3. Ensures faster absorption
   4. Promotes sunlight exposure

   Explanation: Spraying insecticides during cooler times like early morning or late evening reduces activity of pollinators, lessening their exposure to chemicals. Faster absorption and fertilizer runoff are unrelated to timing of pest sprays. Promoting sunlight exposure is not relevant here.

4. Biological Control

   Which organism can be released in chilli fields to help control aphid populations naturally?

   1. Nematodes
   2. Honeybees
   3. Ladybird beetles
   4. Earthworms

   Explanation: Ladybird beetles are effective natural predators of aphids and help control their populations. Nematodes are mainly used for soil-borne pests. Earthworms improve soil health but do not control aphids. Honeybees are pollinators, not pest controllers.

5. Viral Disease Prevention

   Which practice is most important for preventing the spread of mosaic virus in chilli cultivation?

   1. Using virus-free seeds
   2. Applying more nitrogen
   3. Excessive watering
   4. Delaying transplanting

   Explanation: Planting virus-free seeds is essential for preventing initial mosaic virus outbreaks. Excessive watering can stress plants but does not prevent viruses. Extra nitrogen boosts growth but doesn't protect against viruses. Delaying transplanting is not an effective preventive measure.