Question

Match List I with List II
List I
A. Pectinophora gossypiella
B. Dysdercus koenigii
C. Phenacoccus solenopsis
D. Sylepta derogata
List II
I. Pyrrhocoridae
II. Double seeds
III. Pyralidae
IV. Sooty mold
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

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

Hint:

To remember: Pink bollworm (Pectinophora) causes "double seeds" in cotton. Red cotton bug (Dysdercus) is a hemipteran belonging to Pyrrhocoridae.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Cotton is host to a wide array of insect pests that attack different parts of the plant, including the leaves, stems, and bolls.
These pests cause characteristic damage symptoms and belong to distinct taxonomic groups, which dictates their management strategies.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze each pest and its associated damage or family to find the correct matches:
1. Pectinophora gossypiella (A) is the pink bollworm of cotton.
The larvae bore into developing cotton bolls and feed on the seeds.
During late-season infestations, the larva often spins a web to join two seeds together to form a protective pupation chamber, a symptom known as "double seeds" (II).
Thus, A matches with II.
2. Dysdercus koenigii (B), the red cotton bug, is a sucking pest that feeds on developing seeds, staining the lint.
It belongs to the family Pyrrhocoridae (I), commonly known as red bugs or cotton stainers.
Thus, B matches with I.
3. Phenacoccus solenopsis (C) is the solenopsis mealybug.
Mealybugs are phloem-feeding insects that excrete excess sugars as sticky honeydew.
This honeydew coats the leaves and bolls, providing a substrate for the growth of black sooty mold (IV) fungi, which impairs photosynthesis.
Thus, C matches with IV.
4. Sylepta derogata (D) is the cotton leaf roller.
The caterpillar rolls leaves into funnel shapes and feeds from inside.
It belongs to the family Pyralidae (III).
Thus, D matches with III.
Combining these matches: A-II, B-I, C-IV, D-III.
This matches Option 1.

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