Defending Fruits from Termites Quiz Quiz

Explore essential strategies and concepts for protecting fruit plants from termite damage in horticultural agriculture. Enhance your understanding of identification, control methods, and prevention techniques for healthier orchards.

1. Identifying Termite Damage in Orchards

   Which visible sign best indicates active termite infestation in the stem of a young fruit tree, such as a mango or guava?

   1. Unusual red-colored fruit spots
   2. White powdery mildew on leaves
   3. Mud tubes running along the bark
   4. Leaf skeletonization

   Explanation: Mud tubes are a primary indicator of termite activity as termites create these structures to protect themselves while reaching food sources. Powdery mildew and leaf skeletonization are symptoms of fungal or insect issues, not termites. Red-colored fruit spots more likely indicate disease, not termite damage.

2. Preventing Termite Entry

   What is one effective cultural method for preventing termites from attacking fruit saplings in planting pits?

   1. Incorporating well-decomposed farmyard manure
   2. Mixing chlorpyrifos-treated soil at planting
   3. Applying nitrogen-rich fertilizer only
   4. Watering daily in the evening

   Explanation: Mixing soil with termiticide like chlorpyrifos at planting is a common preventive measure against termites. While manure improves soil health, it doesn't deter termites. Evening watering is unrelated, and applying nitrogen-rich fertilizer has no direct impact on termite control.

3. Biological Termite Control

   Which biological method can help reduce termite populations near fruit trees?

   1. Wrapping tree trunks with plastic sheets
   2. Releasing predatory ants in the orchard
   3. Spraying neem oil on fruit skin
   4. Applying copper-based fungicides

   Explanation: Predatory ants prey on termites, providing natural population control. Neem oil is more effective for insects feeding on plant surfaces, not subterranean termites. Wrapping trunks with plastic doesn't address soil-dwelling pests, and copper fungicides target fungi, not termites.

4. Chemical Termiticide Use

   According to safety protocols, what is the first step before applying any chemical termiticide around fruit plants?

   1. Mixing the highest concentration possible
   2. Reading and following the product label instructions
   3. Applying only during fruit harvest
   4. Ignoring personal protective equipment

   Explanation: Reading and adhering to label instructions ensures proper application and safety. Using the highest concentration can damage plants and the environment. Chemical application during harvest risks contamination, and neglecting protective equipment is unsafe.

5. Removing Termite Habitats

   How does removing dead wood and pruned branches from fruit orchards help in termite management?

   1. It increases fruit sugar content
   2. It accelerates flowering
   3. It improves leaf coloration
   4. It eliminates termite breeding sites

   Explanation: Dead wood and pruned branches can harbor termite colonies, so their removal reduces infestation risks. Fruit sugar content, leaf coloration, and flowering are not directly influenced by removing dead wood in terms of termite management.