Chilli Shield Quiz Quiz

Challenge your expertise with five thought-provoking questions on protecting chilli plants from pests and diseases, integrated pest management, and proper horticultural practices.

1. Identifying a Common Chilli Pest

   In a chilli field, you notice small green insects clustering under the leaves and causing leaf curling; which pest is most likely responsible?

   1. Red Spider Mites
   2. Root-Knot Nematodes
   3. Fruit Borers
   4. Aphids

   Explanation: Aphids commonly gather under leaves and cause leaf curling by sucking sap. Fruit borers affect fruit directly rather than leaves. Root-knot nematodes attack roots, not leaves. Red spider mites create webbing and stippling but not curling like aphids.

2. Disease Transmission in Chilli Plants

   Which horticultural practice most effectively reduces the spread of viral diseases in chilli plants transmitted by whiteflies?

   1. Applying extra fertilizer
   2. Increasing irrigation frequency
   3. Deep tillage of soil
   4. Using yellow sticky traps

   Explanation: Yellow sticky traps help monitor and reduce whitefly populations, curbing virus transmission. Increased irrigation and extra fertilizer do not control whiteflies. Deep tillage is mainly for soil-borne pests, not vectors like whiteflies.

3. Integrated Pest Management Example

   Which approach is a core principle of integrated pest management (IPM) for chilli cultivation?

   1. Combining biological and chemical controls
   2. Relying solely on chemical sprays
   3. Using only organic compost
   4. Applying traditional pesticides weekly

   Explanation: IPM involves integrating multiple methods, such as biological agents and chemical controls, to manage pests sustainably. Sole reliance on chemicals or traditional sprays lacks integration. Using only organic compost focuses on soil health, not direct pest control.

4. Recognizing Fungal Diseases

   If you observe dark circular spots with concentric rings on mature chilli leaves during humid conditions, which fungal disease is the most probable cause?

   1. Leaf Curl
   2. Powdery Mildew
   3. Anthracnose
   4. Damping Off

   Explanation: Anthracnose presents as dark spots with concentric rings on leaves and fruits. Leaf curl is caused by viruses. Powdery mildew appears as white powdery patches, not spots. Damping off affects seedlings at the base, not mature leaves.

5. Cultural Practices for Disease Prevention

   Which cultural practice can prevent the build-up of soil-borne pathogens harmful to chilli crops in successive plantings?

   1. Leaving plant debris in the field
   2. Crop rotation
   3. Dense planting
   4. Overhead irrigation

   Explanation: Crop rotation interrupts the life cycles of soil-borne pathogens, reducing disease risk. Leaving debris, overhead irrigation, and dense planting can promote disease by fostering pathogen survival and spread.