Mango Defenders Quiz Quiz

Explore key concepts in mango pest management, from common insect threats to integrated control measures. Challenge your knowledge on sustainable horticultural practices for healthier mango crops.

1. Identifying Mango Hopper Damage

   During the flowering stage of a mango tree, which pest is most commonly responsible for curling leaves and sticky honeydew on panicles?

   1. Mango Hopper
   2. Mealybug
   3. Fruit Borer
   4. Aphids

   Explanation: Mango Hoppers are the primary pests causing curling of leaves and sticky excretions during flowering. Fruit Borers target developing fruit, not flowers. Aphids also produce honeydew but rarely infest mangoes at this stage. Mealybugs usually cause sooty mold rather than leaf curling at flowering.

2. Understanding Fruit Borer Impact

   A farmer notices small holes and premature fruit drop in his mango orchard; which pest is likely responsible for this damage?

   1. Scale Insect
   2. Red Ant
   3. Leaf Miner
   4. Fruit Borer

   Explanation: Fruit Borers bore into mango fruit, causing holes and leading to early fruit drop. Red Ants can disturb trees but are not fruit feeders. Leaf Miners affect leaves, not fruit. Scale Insects suck sap but do not create fruit holes.

3. Biological Control in Pest Management

   Which method best exemplifies biological control for managing mango pests?

   1. Spraying chemical pesticides on infested trees
   2. Using sticky traps around orchard trees
   3. Introducing predatory insects like lady beetles to control mealybugs
   4. Applying neem oil as a foliar spray

   Explanation: Introducing natural predators such as lady beetles is a biological control method. Chemical sprays are chemical control. Neem oil use is botanical (biopesticide), and sticky traps represent physical or mechanical control.

4. Pest Surveillance Strategy

   What is the primary goal of regular pest surveillance in mango orchards?

   1. Early detection to manage pest populations before severe damage occurs
   2. Boosting fruit sweetness
   3. Improving irrigation efficiency
   4. To maximize use of chemical sprays

   Explanation: Regular monitoring helps identify pest presence early, allowing timely interventions. It does not directly relate to chemical application, irrigation improvements, or changing fruit taste.

5. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Principles

   Which practice aligns with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for mango orchards?

   1. Relying only on frequent chemical pesticide applications
   2. Focusing exclusively on genetic modification of trees
   3. Allowing nature to take its course without any intervention
   4. Combining cultural, mechanical, and minimal chemical methods for sustainable control

   Explanation: IPM uses a balanced approach, integrating multiple strategies for effective and sustainable pest control. Sole reliance on chemicals, avoidance of intervention, or only genetic modification does not fit IPM's comprehensive approach.