Question:

Match List I with List II for control of citrus pest through parasite/predators
List I (Pest):
A. White flies
B. Mealy bug
C. Citrus psylla
D. Citrus leaf miner
List II (Parasite/Predator):
I. Coccinella septempunctata
II. Cryptolaemus montrouzieri
III. Brumus suturalis
IV. Citrospillus quadristriantus
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Show Hint

Always look for the most famous biocontrol agent first: "Mealy bug $\to$ Cryptolaemus" (B-II). This single association narrows down your choices, making it easier to solve the match.
  • A - I, B - II, C - III, D - IV
  • A - IV, B - I, C - II, D - III
  • A - III, B - II, C - I, D - IV
  • A - II, B - IV, C - I, D - III
Show Solution
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Biological control is an integral part of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in citrus orchards.
It uses natural predators (ladybird beetles) or parasitoids (wasps) to suppress destructive insect populations below the economic injury level.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

Let us match the citrus pests with their biological control agents:
A. White flies: These sap-sucking pests are preyed upon by coccinellid beetles such as Brumus suturalis (three-striped lady beetle). Thus, A matches with III.
B. Mealy bug: The citrus mealybug is controlled using the predatory ladybird beetle Cryptolaemus montrouzieri, commonly known as the "Mealybug Destroyer." Thus, B matches with II.
C. Citrus psylla: It is a major vector of Citrus Greening disease. Its populations are suppressed by predators like the seven-spotted ladybug, Coccinella septempunctata. Thus, C matches with I.
D. Citrus leaf miner: The larvae of this pest mine inside leaves. It is parasitized by the eulophid ectoparasitoid Cirrospilus quadristriatus (spelled as Citrospillus quadristriantus in the options). Thus, D matches with IV.
This matching results in: A - III, B - II, C - I, D - IV.

Step 3: Final Answer:

The matching corresponds directly to option (C).
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