Weedy Groundnuts Challenge Quiz

Explore essential strategies and facts about managing weeds in groundnut cultivation, from integrated practices to crop timing. Assess your understanding of the impact, control options, and timing techniques crucial for optimizing groundnut yields.

1. Major weed species affecting groundnut fields

   Which is a commonly found weed species that significantly competes with groundnut crops in tropical agricultural regions?

   1. Raphanus sativus
   2. Triticum aestivum
   3. Cicer arietinum
   4. Cyperus rotundus

   Explanation: Cyperus rotundus (nutgrass) is notorious for invading groundnut fields and reducing yield due to its aggressive growth. Raphanus sativus (radish) and Cicer arietinum (chickpea) are not weeds in this context, but rather cultivated crops, while Triticum aestivum is wheat, another cultivated cereal.

2. Critical period for weed control

   During which stage of groundnut growth is it most crucial to manage weeds to minimize yield loss?

   1. After irrigation is complete
   2. Seed storage phase
   3. First 30–45 days after sowing
   4. During harvest only

   Explanation: Managing weeds during the first 30–45 days after sowing is critical because groundnut plants are most vulnerable to competition during early growth stages. Focusing on the harvest period is too late, seed storage does not involve field weeds, and after irrigation is not a specific or effective timing.

3. Cultural weed management method

   Which practice is considered a cultural weed management method in groundnut agriculture?

   1. Applying chemical fertilizers
   2. Crop rotation
   3. Spraying fungicides
   4. Using selective herbicides

   Explanation: Crop rotation disrupts weed life cycles and reduces the buildup of specific weed species, making it a cultural control method. Selective herbicides are chemical controls, fertilizers promote plant growth but don't target weeds, and fungicides target fungal diseases, not weeds.

4. Chemical control of weeds

   Which herbicide is commonly recommended for pre-emergence weed control in groundnut fields?

   1. Pendimethalin
   2. Potassium chloride
   3. Imidacloprid
   4. Urea

   Explanation: Pendimethalin is a pre-emergence herbicide effective against many annual weeds in groundnut cultivation. Potassium chloride and urea are fertilizers, not herbicides, while Imidacloprid is an insecticide used against pests, not weeds.

5. Integrated weed management advantage

   Why is integrated weed management (IWM) preferred for controlling weeds in groundnut cultivation?

   1. It relies only on hand weeding
   2. It is faster than all other methods
   3. It avoids any use of chemicals
   4. It combines multiple methods for sustainable control

   Explanation: IWM integrates cultural, mechanical, and chemical control for long-term effectiveness and sustainability. Relying solely on hand weeding or avoiding all chemicals may not be sufficient, and speed is not the main advantage; effectiveness and sustainability are prioritized.