Protecting Bengal Gram Naturally Quiz

Explore key strategies and practices for managing pests in organic Bengal gram (chickpea) cultivation. This quiz covers biological controls, cultural practices, and natural treatments vital for sustainable farming.

1. Biological Control

   Which organism is often introduced to Bengal gram fields as a natural enemy of the pod borer in organic farming?

   1. Aphids
   2. Nematodes
   3. Honey bees
   4. Trichogramma wasps

   Explanation: Trichogramma wasps are tiny parasitoids that specifically target the eggs of the pod borer, reducing its population biologically. Honey bees help with pollination but do not control pests. Aphids are actually pests themselves. Nematodes can be beneficial or harmful but are not typically used for pod borer control in pulses.

2. Botanical Pesticides

   What is a common botanical pesticide used in organic Bengal gram cultivation to manage sucking pests like aphids?

   1. Neem extract
   2. Urea solution
   3. Synthetic pyrethroids
   4. Magnesium sulfate

   Explanation: Neem extract serves as an effective organic pesticide with insect-repelling properties, particularly for sucking pests. Synthetic pyrethroids are chemical pesticides and not permitted in organic systems. Urea and magnesium sulfate are fertilizers, not pest control agents.

3. Cultural Practices

   How does crop rotation help control soil-borne pests in Bengal gram under organic farming?

   1. Reduces pest life cycle continuity
   2. Raises soil acidity
   3. Increases leaf area
   4. Improves irrigation efficiency

   Explanation: Crop rotation interrupts the life cycle of pests that specialize on Bengal gram, leading to lower infestations. Raising soil acidity, increasing leaf area, and improving irrigation are not direct methods for pest management through rotation.

4. Physical Control Methods

   Which physical method is commonly used in organic Bengal gram fields to reduce stem fly damage?

   1. Field sanitation
   2. Applying insect growth regulators
   3. Flood irrigation
   4. Seed pelleting with fungicides

   Explanation: Field sanitation, such as removing and destroying infested plant parts and crop residues, reduces sources of infestation. Insect growth regulators and fungicide seed pelleting are not approved organic methods, while flood irrigation does not directly control stem fly.

5. Trap Crops

   Why might an organic farmer plant mustard as a border crop in a Bengal gram field?

   1. To increase humidity
   2. To provide nitrogen fixation
   3. To shade the main crop from sunlight
   4. To attract and trap pests like aphids

   Explanation: Mustard attracts aphids away from Bengal gram, acting as a trap crop and reducing the pest load on the primary crop. Nitrogen fixation is performed by legumes like Bengal gram, not mustard. Increasing humidity and providing shade are not primary reasons for border planting in this context.