Question

Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Statement (I) and other one labelled as Statement (II):
Statement (I) : Paddy root weevil is a serious pest of rice that can be controlled with foliar application of insecticides.
Statement (II) : The eggs are laid on the plants and the damage is caused by the grubs.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

• A. Both Statements are correct.
• B. Statement (I) is correct but Statement (II) is incorrect.
• C. Statement (I) is incorrect but Statement (II) is correct.
• D. Both Statements are incorrect.

Hint:

For root-feeding pests (like grubs of root weevils and white grubs), foliar spray is almost never the recommended solution.
Management always requires soil-directed actions such as granular applications, soil drenching, or cultural practices like field drainage.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The paddy root weevil (Echinocnemus oryzae) is a key subterranean pest of rice in India.
Understanding the biology, egg-laying behavior, and habitat of this pest is crucial for designing effective management practices.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Statement (I) mentions that paddy root weevil can be controlled with foliar application of insecticides.
This statement is incorrect.
The larvae (grubs) of the root weevil live underground and feed entirely on the root system of rice plants.
Because the damaging stage is soil-borne and feeds on subterranean tissue, foliar chemical sprays do not reach the root zone and are ineffective.
Instead, control is achieved by applying granular insecticides directly to the soil (such as Carbofuran 3G or Phorate 10G) or by draining the field to suppress larval populations.
Statement (II) states that eggs are laid on the plants and the damage is caused by the grubs.
While it is true that the grubs cause the primary damage by root-pruning, the first part of the statement regarding egg-laying is incorrect.
The adult female weevil deposits eggs in clusters in the soil near the root zone of the host plants, not on the aerial parts of the plants.
Upon hatching, the grubs immediately begin feeding on the adjacent roots.
Therefore, both statements contain factual errors.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct option is (D).