Question:

Given below are two statements:
Statement (I): Red cotton bug can be controlled by applying insecticide in soil.
Statement (II): Red cotton bug lays eggs in/on soil.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below.

Show Hint

Sucking pests feeding on aerial parts of plants (like leaves and bolls) are controlled via foliar chemical sprays, not through soil application of insecticides, even if they lay eggs on the ground.
  • Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are correct.
  • Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are incorrect.
  • Statement (I) is correct but Statement (II) is incorrect.
  • Statement (I) is incorrect but Statement (II) is correct.
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) requires understanding the life cycle and feeding habits of pests to target the correct stage with appropriate control measures.
The Red Cotton Bug (Dysdercus cingulatus) is a major pest of cotton crops.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

Statement (I) suggests that the Red Cotton Bug can be controlled by applying insecticide in the soil.
This statement is incorrect.
The primary damaging stages of the Red Cotton Bug (both nymphs and adults) are sucking pests that feed on the foliage, developing bolls, and cotton seeds on the plant canopy.
Because they live and feed aerially, applying insecticides directly to the soil is not an effective control strategy.
Instead, foliar spraying of contact or systemic insecticides is the standard chemical control practice.
Statement (II) states that the Red Cotton Bug lays its eggs in/on the soil.
This statement is correct.
The female bug lays bright yellow, spherical eggs in batches of 80 to 100 inside soil crevices, moist soil surfaces, or under fallen leaves and debris near host plants.
Thus, while egg-laying occurs in the soil, the active feeding stages are arboreal, making soil insecticide applications ineffective.
Therefore, Statement (I) is incorrect and Statement (II) is correct.

Step 3: Final Answer:

Hence, Statement (I) is incorrect but Statement (II) is correct.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0

Top ICAR AIEEA Economics Questions

View More Questions