Wheat Warriors: Pest & Fungus Control Quiz Quiz

Challenge your agricultural knowledge with questions on identifying, managing, and preventing pest and fungal threats to wheat crops. Learn about effective techniques and common pitfalls in wheat pest management.

1. Identifying Wheat Aphids

   Which pest is most likely responsible when you observe curled wheat leaves coated with a sticky substance called honeydew?

   1. Fusarium fungus
   2. Armyworm
   3. Stem borer
   4. Aphids

   Explanation: Aphids secrete honeydew, leading to sticky leaves and sometimes sooty mold on wheat. Stem borers damage inside stems but do not produce honeydew. Armyworms chew the foliage but do not produce sticky residue. Fusarium fungus causes discoloration and blight, not a honeydew coating.

2. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Practice

   A farmer rotates wheat with legumes and uses field monitoring to minimize chemical use. What pest management strategy is this?

   1. Chemical Control
   2. Monoculture
   3. Hydroponics
   4. Integrated Pest Management

   Explanation: Integrated Pest Management (IPM) combines crop rotation, monitoring, and minimal pesticide use. Monoculture is the continuous cultivation of a single crop, increasing pest risks. Chemical control relies solely on pesticides. Hydroponics involves soil-less cultivation and is unrelated to pest strategy in wheat fields.

3. Stem Rust Symptoms

   If a wheat field displays reddish-brown pustules on stems and leaves, which disease is most likely present?

   1. Loose smut
   2. Aphid infestation
   3. Powdery mildew
   4. Stem rust

   Explanation: Stem rust is characterized by reddish-brown pustules on wheat stems and leaves. Powdery mildew shows white, powdery growth. Loose smut produces dark, spore-filled heads. Aphid infestation is mainly indicated by sticky honeydew, not rust-colored pustules.

4. Biological Pest Control Example

   Introducing lady beetles to a wheat field to control insect pests demonstrates which method?

   1. Chemical control
   2. Mechanical control
   3. Biological control
   4. Cultural control

   Explanation: Biological control uses predators like lady beetles to manage pests. Cultural control involves practices like crop rotation. Mechanical control uses traps or barriers. Chemical control uses pesticides, not beneficial insects.

5. Timing of Fungicide Application

   When is the most effective time to apply fungicides to control leaf rust in wheat crops?

   1. At the first sign of symptoms
   2. Before sowing seeds
   3. During plowing
   4. After grain harvest

   Explanation: Applying fungicide at the first sign of rust is most effective, reducing spread and crop loss. Before sowing may be too early and ineffective; after harvest or during plowing, it's too late as the infection already occurred or the crop has been removed.