Question

Mustard as trap crop can be grown for the mangement of
A. Cabbage borer, {Hellula undalis
B. Diamondback moth, {Plutella xylostella
C. Cabbage semilooper, {Plusia orichalcea
D. Cabbage flea beetle, {Phyllotreta cruciferae
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. A only
• B. B only
• C. A and B only
• D. C and D only

Hint:

Planting mustard as a trap crop around cabbage fields is a classic IPM strategy. It is highly effective at attracting and managing the Diamondback moth and the cabbage borer.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
A trap crop is a companion crop planted alongside a main crop to attract pests away from the main crop.
This technique relies on the pest's preference for the trap crop over the main crop.
Once the pests colonize the trap crop, they can be controlled using targeted sprays, reducing pesticide use on the main crop.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Mustard (Brassica juncea) is commonly used as a trap crop in cabbage and cauliflower fields.
Cabbage pests like the Diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) (B) and the cabbage borer (Hellula undalis) (A) are highly attracted to the volatile compounds (glucosinolates) released by mustard plants.
The female moths prefer to lay their eggs on mustard leaves rather than cabbage leaves.
By planting two rows of mustard for every 25 rows of cabbage, farmers can concentrate these pests on the mustard plants.
This allows for targeted pest control on the mustard border rows, protecting the main cabbage crop and preserving natural enemies in the field.
Other pests, such as the cabbage semilooper (C) and the cabbage flea beetle (D), do not show the same strong preference for mustard over cabbage, making trap cropping less effective for their management.
Therefore, mustard is recommended as a trap crop specifically for managing the cabbage borer and the Diamondback moth.

Step 3: Final Answer
Mustard is grown as a trap crop for the management of the cabbage borer and the Diamondback moth (A and B only).