Question

Match List I with List II. List I:
(A) Rodolia cardinalis
(B) Cryptolaemus montrouzieri
(C) Telenomus remus
(D) Zygogramma bicolorata. List II: (I) Maconellicoccus hirsutus (II) Spodoptera frugiperda (III) Icerya purchasi (IV) Parthenium hysterophorus. Choose the correct answer from the options given below.

• A. A-IV, B-I, C-II, D-III
• B. A-III, B-I, C-II, D-IV
• C. A-II, B-III, C-IV, D-I
• D. A-II, B-I, C-IV, D-I

Hint:

The introduction of the Vedalia beetle (Rodolia cardinalis) to control the cottony cushion scale (Icerya purchasi) is a famous milestone in the history of biological control. Remembering this match (A-III) helps solve the question quickly.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Biological control programs use predatory insects, parasitoids, or herbivores to suppress pest and weed populations.
Selecting highly host-specific beneficial insects is key to a successful biological control program.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us systematically match each biological control agent in List I to its target in List II:
(A) Rodolia cardinalis (Vedalia Beetle):
The introduction of this predatory ladybird beetle from Australia to California in 1888 to control the cottony cushion scale, Icerya purchasi, is considered the first major success of classical biological control.
This matches with target (III) Icerya purchasi.
(B) Cryptolaemus montrouzieri (Mealybug Destroyer):
This ladybird beetle is a predator used to control mealybugs.
It is highly effective against the pink hibiscus mealybug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus, which is a major pest of grapes and other crops in India.
This matches with target (I) Maconellicoccus hirsutus.
(C) 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, particularly the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda.
This matches with target (II) Spodoptera frugiperda.
(D) Zygogramma bicolorata (Mexican Beetle):
This leaf-feeding chrysomelid beetle was introduced to India to control the invasive weed Parthenium hysterophorus (commonly known as carrot grass or congress grass).
This matches with target (IV) Parthenium hysterophorus.
Combining these matches yields the sequence: A-III, B-I, C-II, D-IV.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The matching sequence is correctly represented by Option 2.