Question:

Flared squares in cotton is caused by:

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Pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella): Causes flared squares in cotton.
  • Spodoptera litura
  • Helicoverpa armigera
  • Earias vitella
  • Pectinophora gossypiella
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The Correct Option is D

Approach Solution - 1

Flared squares in cotton refer to the abnormal opening or shedding of young flower buds (squares) due to pest damage. The pink bollworm ({Pectinophora gossypiella) is the primary culprit, as its larvae bore into cotton squares, causing them to flare and drop. - {Spodoptera litura (1) (tobacco cutworm) mainly damages leaves. - {Helicoverpa armigera (2) (American bollworm) affects bolls but is less associated with flared squares. - {Earias vitella (3) (spotted bollworm) damages bolls and shoots, not primarily squares. Thus, option (4) is correct.
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Approach Solution -2

Symptom-matching approach:
Match the specific symptom of flaring or rosetting of squares to each pest's feeding habit rather than recalling the answer directly. Spodoptera litura is a defoliator, chewing leaves, not squares. Helicoverpa armigera bores mainly into bolls and fruiting bodies, causing round holes, not flared squares. Earias vitella attacks shoots and small bolls, causing shoot wilting known as dead-hearts. Only the Pectinophora gossypiella, pink bollworm, larva feeds inside the square, causing the bracts to flare outward in a characteristic rosette symptom before the square drops, a diagnostic sign used specifically to identify pink bollworm infestation. This uniquely points to option 4.
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