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.