Question

Given below are two statements:
Statement (I): Megatrioza hirsuta is a common insect pest of Terminalia arjuna.
Statement (II): Megatrioza hirsuta is a common insect pest of Morus alba.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

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

Hint:

Associate Megatrioza hirsuta directly with Terminalia species (Tasar host plants).
It is a gall-forming psyllid, whereas mulberry (Morus alba) pests are typically thrips, whiteflies, or mealybugs.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
In sericulture, protecting the host plants of silkworms from insect pests is essential for maintaining leaf quality and yield.
Different silkworm species feed on different host plants, which are susceptible to specific insect pests.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze both statements:
Statement (I) asserts that Megatrioza hirsuta is a common insect pest of Terminalia arjuna.
This is correct.
Megatrioza hirsuta (commonly known as the Terminalia gall psyllid) is a major sucking pest of Terminalia arjuna and Terminalia tomentosa.
These tree species are the primary host plants for the tropical Tasar silkworm (Antheraea mylitta).
The nymphs and adults of this psyllid suck sap from tender leaves and inject toxic saliva, which causes the leaf tissue to form hard, globular galls.
This gall formation reduces the leaves' photosynthetic capacity and makes them unsuitable for feeding to Tasar silkworms, leading to production losses.
Thus, Statement (I) is correct.
Statement (II) states that Megatrioza hirsuta is a common insect pest of Morus alba.
This is incorrect.
Morus alba (mulberry) is the host plant for the mulberry silkworm (Bombyx mori).
Mulberry is affected by different pests, such as thrips (Pseudodendrothrips mori), mealybugs (Maconellicoccus hirsutus, which causes "tukra" disease), and whiteflies (Aleuroclastus species).
Megatrioza hirsuta is host-specific to Terminalia species and does not infest mulberry.
Therefore, Statement (I) is correct and Statement (II) is incorrect.
This corresponds to Option (C).

Step 3: Final Answer:
Statement (I) is correct because Megatrioza hirsuta is a gall-forming pest of the Tasar host plant Terminalia arjuna, while Statement (II) is incorrect as this pest does not affect mulberry (Morus alba).