Question

Match List-I with List-II

List-I (Biocontrol Agent)		List-II (Target Pest)
A	Telenomus remus	I	Mosquito larvae
B	Gambusia affinis	II	Giant African snail
C	Euglandina rosea	III	Nomadacris septemfasciata
D	Acridotheres tristis	IV	Spodoptera frugiperda

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• (A) - (IV), (B) - (I), (C) - (II), (D) - (III)
• (A) - (II), (B) - (I), (C) - (IV), (D) - (III)
• (A) - (II), (B) - (III), (C) - (IV), (D) - (I)
• (A) - (II), (B) - (I), (C) - (IV), (D) - (III)

Hint:

To solve this quickly, use two well-known biological control associations:
- The mosquitofish Gambusia affinis targets mosquito larvae (B - I).
- Telenomus remus is a key egg parasitoid of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (A - IV).
These two links point directly to the correct option.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Biological control programs use natural predators, parasitoids, or pathogens to manage pest populations.
Many of these programs target invasive or destructive species, matching a specific biocontrol agent to its host or prey.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze each biocontrol agent and its target host or pest:
- (A) Telenomus remus: This is a tiny scelionid wasp that acts as an egg parasitoid.
It is widely used as a biological control agent against noctuid pests, and has become highly important for managing the invasive fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda. Thus, (A) matches (IV).
- (B) Gambusia affinis: Commonly known as the mosquitofish, this freshwater fish feeds on aquatic insect larvae.
It is introduced into ponds, wells, and standing water to feed on mosquito larvae, helping control mosquito populations and reduce vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue. Thus, (B) matches (I).
- (C) Euglandina rosea: Known as the rosy wolfsnail, this is a carnivorous predatory land snail.
It was introduced to various tropical islands as a biological control agent to manage populations of the invasive Giant African Land Snail, Achatina fulica (synonym Lissachatina fulica). Thus, (C) matches (II).
- (D) Acridotheres tristis: Commonly known as the common myna, this insectivorous bird was introduced to several islands (such as Mauritius and Hawaii) to control insect pests.
It was particularly successful in managing outbreaks of the red locust, Nomadacris septemfasciata, in sugarcane fields. Thus, (D) matches (III).
Combining these matches gives: (A) - (IV), (B) - (I), (C) - (II), (D) - (III).
This sequence corresponds to Option (A).

Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct matching sequence is (A) - (IV), (B) - (I), (C) - (II), (D) - (III).