Cowpea Sucking Pest Busters Quiz

Explore key methods and facts about managing major sucking pests of cowpea crops. This quiz covers identification, damage symptoms, and integrated control strategies relevant for effective cowpea pest management.

1. Identifying Aphids in Cowpea Fields

   Which sign most reliably indicates an aphid infestation on cowpea plants during early growth stages?

   1. Deep tunnels inside stems
   2. Presence of white silky webs on pods
   3. Clusters of tiny green insects on new shoots
   4. Holes chewed in mature leaves

   Explanation: Clusters of tiny green insects on new shoots are typical of aphid infestations, as aphids aggregate to feed on plant sap. Holes in leaves suggest chewing pests like beetles. White silky webs are usually made by spider mites or caterpillars. Deep tunnels in stems point to stem borers, not aphids.

2. Damage Caused by Thrips

   In cowpea, which specific damage symptom is commonly associated with thrip activity?

   1. Brown tunnels in pods
   2. Wilting due to root rot
   3. Silvery, distorted young leaves
   4. Sticky honeydew on stems

   Explanation: Thrips feeding causes silvery or bronze patches and distortion on new leaves. Brown tunnels in pods are associated with pod borers. Sticky honeydew is left by aphids or whiteflies. Wilting from root rot is usually caused by soilborne pathogens, not thrips.

3. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Choice

   Which practice best fits an integrated pest management approach for controlling cowpea sucking pests?

   1. Spraying chemical insecticides at weekly intervals regardless of pest presence
   2. Burning plant residues immediately after harvest
   3. Flooding the cowpea field after pest detection
   4. Introducing natural enemies such as ladybird beetles

   Explanation: Introducing natural enemies aligns with IPM principles by using biological control to suppress pests. Routine chemical spraying can lead to resistance and environmental harm. Burning residues and flooding are non-selective and can disrupt ecosystems or be impractical for cowpeas.

4. Chemical Control Timing

   At what stage is it most effective to apply insecticides for controlling sucking pests such as aphids in cowpea crops?

   1. Early seedling stage upon detecting pest presence
   2. Only at flowering when pods are visible
   3. After the crop reaches maturity
   4. During harvest to ensure pest-free storage

   Explanation: Applying insecticides early, when pests are first detected, helps prevent population buildup and crop damage. Spraying after maturity or at harvest provides little benefit, as the crop is already developed. Waiting until flowering may allow pests to cause significant early harm.

5. Importance of Resistant Varieties

   Why are pest-resistant cowpea varieties recommended in managing sucking pests like jassids and aphids?

   1. They change the color of the leaves to deter pests
   2. They minimize pest populations and reduce pesticide need
   3. They always produce larger seeds
   4. They eliminate the need for all crop monitoring

   Explanation: Resistant varieties help suppress pest populations and lessen reliance on pesticides. Larger seeds and leaf color change are not direct mechanisms of resistance. Crop monitoring remains essential even with resistant varieties to detect other issues.