Pest Management in Agriculture

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary consequence of aphid colonies on plants?

Increased susceptibility to spider mites

Aesthetic damage due to honeydew and sooty mold (correct)

Reduced plant growth due to nutrient deficiencies

Weakened plant immune systems

What is the initial symptom of a Red spider mite infestation on a plant?

Small webs around the leaves

Appearance of small white or yellow dots on leaves (correct)

Stunted plant growth

Leaves turning completely yellow

What type of insects can be used for biological control of spider mites?

Flies and ants

Butterflies and moths

Bees and wasps

Lady beetles and lacewings (correct)

What is the purpose of dormant oils in controlling spider mites?

To kill mite eggs and dormant adults Signup and view all the answers

What is the classification of snails and slugs?

Phylum: Molluscs, Class: Gastropoda Signup and view all the answers

What is an invasive species?

A species that causes economic or environmental harm Signup and view all the answers

What is one method of controlling snails and slugs?

Collecting and squashing snails and slugs by hand Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using commercial weed-burners against snails?

To kill snails and slugs Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy?

Long-term prevention of pests or their damage Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of ants in the ecosystem?

Mutualistic relationship with aphids Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the biological control method used to control scale insects?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical length of thrips?

1-2 mm Signup and view all the answers

What is the incubation period of whiteflies?

5-11 days Signup and view all the answers

What is the natural predator of whiteflies?

Ladybugs Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the dynamic complex of plant, animal, and micro-organism communities?

Ecosystem Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the strategy for the integrated management of land, water, and living resources?

Ecosystem approach Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic that distinguishes slugs from snails?

The absence of a shell Signup and view all the answers

Which step of Integrated Pest Management involves identifying the pest to be managed?

Step 3: Identification Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of the ecosystem approach?

Chemical control of pests Signup and view all the answers

Which insect pest is an obligate parthenogenetic species, meaning that adult aphids are all female and males do not occur in the wild?

Aphid Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of Orius insidiosus in controlling thrips populations?

Predator of many species of thrips Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mode of feeding for scale insects?

Sucking plant juices Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a true statement about the life cycle of thrips?

The life cycle of thrips takes about 30 days Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a natural enemy of mealybug?

Ants Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Aphid Colonies

Damage caused by aphid colonies is mainly aesthetic due to sticky honeydew production and resulting black sooty mold.
Aphids have a mutualistic relationship with ants, which feed on honeydew and protect them from predators.

Red Spider Mite

Symptoms of Red Spider Mite infestation: small white or yellow dots on leaves, followed by leaves turning completely yellow, and webs around leaves.
Controlling methods: biological control (predators, predatory mites) and chemical control (insecticidal/miticidal oils and soaps).

Snails and Slugs

Classification: Phylum - Molluscs, Class - Gastropoda.
Methods of control: hand-collecting and killing, using traps and protective barriers, and using commercial weed-burners.

Invasive Species

Definition: harmful species with a negative effect on the ecosystem, causing economic or environmental harm, or harm to human, animal, or plant health.

Pests

Definition: an insect or small animal that harms or destroys garden plants.
Types of pests: migrant pests, secondary pests, and occasional pests.
Factors that modify pest status: crop, plant growth, pest density, pest category, environmental conditions, and time.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Definition: ecosystem-based strategy for long-term prevention of pests or their damage through a combination of techniques.
Components of IPM: monitor the pest to be managed, develop the pest management goal, implement IPM, record and evaluate results.
Steps of IPM: inspection, preventive action, identification, analysis, treatment selection, monitoring, and documentation.

Scale Insects

Biological control methods: aphelinid ectoparasitoid, endoparasitoid Pteroptrix, and coccinelid Chilocorus bipustulatus.

Thrips

Characteristics: minute, ranging in length from 1-2mm, slender, with fringed wings and unique asymmetrical mouthparts.
Adult thrips use sucking mouthparts to feed on tender leaves, causing sunken purplish-red spots.

Whiteflies

Natural predators: ladybugs.
Incubation period: 5-11 days.

Ecosystem Approach

Application: conservation of biodiversity, sustainable use of components of biodiversity, and sharing benefits from genetic resources utilization.

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Description

This quiz covers the identification and control of common pests affecting plants, including aphids and spider mites. Learn about the symptoms and management methods for these pests.