Wheat Weed Warriors Quiz Quiz

Explore key strategies and facts for effective weed management in wheat cultivation to improve crop yield and reduce competition. Challenge your knowledge of modern, sustainable weed control techniques and critical weed species.

1. Weed Competition Timing

   During which stage of wheat growth do weeds cause the most significant reduction in grain yield due to competition?

   1. Late grain filling stage
   2. First 30–40 days after sowing
   3. During seed storage
   4. One week before harvest

   Explanation: The first 30–40 days after sowing are critical because weeds compete with young wheat plants for light, moisture, and nutrients, which can severely affect establishment and yield. Weed competition is significantly less damaging during grain filling or just before harvest, so those options are less accurate. Seed storage is unrelated to field weed competition in wheat.

2. Mechanical Weed Control

   Which mechanical method is most commonly used to control weeds in wheat fields where herbicide use is limited?

   1. Inter-row cultivation
   2. Biological release
   3. Hand-harvesting
   4. Aerial spraying

   Explanation: Inter-row cultivation is effective for controlling weeds between wheat rows, especially in wide-row systems or organic practices. Aerial spraying is associated with chemical application, not mechanical methods. Hand-harvesting is related to crop harvest, and biological release refers to introducing natural weed enemies, not mechanical control.

3. Herbicide Selectivity

   Why are selective herbicides used in wheat crops instead of non-selective ones?

   1. Selective herbicides target weeds without harming wheat
   2. Selective herbicides control all pests
   3. They are always cheaper
   4. They increase soil fertility

   Explanation: Selective herbicides are formulated to impact weeds while leaving the wheat crop unharmed, making them valuable in cereal fields. Non-selective herbicides would damage both weeds and crop, and selective herbicides are not necessarily always cheaper nor do they directly affect soil fertility or all pest types.

4. Weed Identification

   Which of the following is a major grass weed commonly found in wheat fields?

   1. Amaranthus retroflexus
   2. Cyperus rotundus
   3. Phalaris minor
   4. Chenopodium album

   Explanation: Phalaris minor, also known as little seed canary grass, is a problematic grass weed in wheat. Amaranthus retroflexus and Chenopodium album are broadleaf weeds, and Cyperus rotundus is a sedge, making them less significant grass weeds in wheat.

5. Integrated Weed Management (IWM)

   What is the main benefit of using Integrated Weed Management (IWM) strategies in wheat cultivation?

   1. Eliminates need for all fertilization
   2. Prevents any weed emergence forever
   3. Reduces herbicide resistance and improves control
   4. Makes wheat seeds bigger

   Explanation: IWM combines cultural, mechanical, and chemical practices, reducing reliance on herbicides alone and lowering the risk of herbicide resistance while improving weed control. It does not guarantee permanent prevention of weeds, nor does it directly increase seed size or substitute for crop fertilization.