Question

Given below are two statements:
Statement (I): Pest Management in humid areas is more complex because of the greater number of pest species which must be controlled. It requires an elaborate spray program for treatment of diseases.
Statement (II): In arid areas a less complex spray program may enhance the utilization of cultural practices and biological agents in pest management.
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:

Humidity is a key driver for fungal and bacterial diseases in crops.
Remember that high humidity increases pest and disease pressure, while dry, arid conditions reduce it, simplifying pest management.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Environmental factors, particularly temperature and relative humidity, influence pest populations and disease development.
Differences in local climate dictate the strategies used in Integrated Pest Management (IPM).

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze both statements:
Statement (I) asserts that pest management is more complex in humid areas due to a wider variety of pest species and pathogens.
This is correct.
High humidity and moderate temperatures provide ideal conditions for many fungi, bacteria, and insects to reproduce and spread.
Fungal spores require moisture on plant surfaces to germinate and infect host tissues, and insect pests often reproduce faster in warm, humid conditions.
As a result, crops in humid regions face continuous pest and disease pressure, which often requires complex chemical spray programs to prevent crop loss.
Thus, Statement (I) is correct.
Statement (II) states that arid regions allow for simpler spray programs, which can make it easier to use cultural and biological control methods.
This is also correct.
Low relative humidity naturally limits the survival and spread of many foliar fungal and bacterial pathogens.
With lower overall disease pressure, farmers can reduce their reliance on synthetic chemical sprays.
Using fewer chemical pesticides helps protect beneficial insects and spiders (natural predators), making biological control more effective.
It also allows cultural practices, such as managed irrigation and planting density, to be used as primary pest control methods.
Thus, Statement (II) is correct.
Since both statements are correct, the correct option is (A).

Step 3: Final Answer:
Both statements are correct because humid climates increase disease and pest pressure, while arid climates naturally reduce it, making it easier to use biological and cultural pest management strategies.