Cotton Defender Quiz Quiz

Challenge your knowledge on effective strategies for protecting cotton crops against pests, diseases, and environmental threats with these medium-difficulty questions.

1. Identifying a Major Pest

   Which insect is commonly known as a primary pest that causes significant damage to cotton crops by feeding on bolls and developing seeds?

   1. Aphid
   2. Armyworm
   3. Grasshopper
   4. Bollworm

   Explanation: Bollworm is a major pest in cotton that directly attacks bolls and seeds, leading to reduced yield and quality. Grasshoppers usually feed on leaves but rarely affect bolls. Aphids primarily suck plant sap and do not directly harm bolls. Armyworms are more likely to feed on foliage in large outbreaks rather than the bolls.

2. Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

   What is a key principle of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in cotton plant protection?

   1. Only using organic fertilizers
   2. Eliminating all weeds
   3. Spraying chemicals weekly
   4. Combining biological, cultural, and chemical controls

   Explanation: The core of IPM is integrating various control methods, such as biological agents, cultural practices, and pesticides, to manage pests sustainably. Spraying chemicals weekly can lead to resistance and is not recommended. Eliminating all weeds is important but not the main IPM principle. Using organic fertilizers is unrelated to pest management.

3. Fungal Diseases in Cotton

   Which fungal disease is known for causing wilting, leaf yellowing, and plant death in cotton, especially in warm soils?

   1. Verticillium wilt
   2. Leaf rust
   3. Powdery mildew
   4. Downy mildew

   Explanation: Verticillium wilt is a soil-borne fungal disease that causes wilting, yellowing, and sometimes the death of cotton plants, particularly in warm and dry conditions. Powdery mildew appears as white growth on leaves. Leaf rust is more common in other crops. Downy mildew causes yellow leaf spots but usually not wilting.

4. Cultural Practices for Disease Control

   Which cultural practice helps reduce the risk of disease outbreaks in cotton fields?

   1. Planting closely together
   2. Crop rotation
   3. Spraying insecticides daily
   4. Overhead irrigation

   Explanation: Crop rotation disrupts pest and pathogen life cycles, reducing disease buildup in the soil. Spraying insecticides daily is excessive and targets insects, not diseases. Overhead irrigation can increase disease risk by wetting foliage. Planting closely together can encourage disease spread.

5. Monitoring Cotton Fields

   Why is regular scouting (field monitoring) important in the management of cotton pests and diseases?

   1. It guarantees no pests will be present
   2. It increases the growth rate of cotton plants
   3. It allows early detection and timely intervention
   4. It replaces the need for any chemical sprays

   Explanation: Regular field monitoring enables farmers to spot pest or disease issues early, so controls can be applied before major damage occurs. It does not guarantee complete pest absence or fully eliminate the need for chemicals. Monitoring does not directly affect plant growth rate.