Here are the 25 MCQ questions on insect pests of tomato crop, along with detailed explanations highly important for every Agriculture/Horticulture based competitive exams:-
- What is the primary pest affecting tomato crops?
a) Aphids
b) Whiteflies
c) Tomato fruit borer
d) Thrips
Answer: c) Tomato fruit borer
Explanation: The tomato fruit borer (Helicoverpa armigera) is notorious for boring into the fruit, leading to significant yield loss. It has a rapid lifecycle, allowing for multiple generations in a single growing season. Integrated pest management (IPM) strategies are essential for controlling this pest. - Which insect transmits Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus?
a) Beetles
b) Whiteflies
c) Mites
d) Aphids
Answer: b) Whiteflies
Explanation: Whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci) feed on the sap of infected plants and can transmit the virus to healthy plants. Infected plants exhibit yellowing and curling of leaves, stunted growth, and reduced fruit yield. Control measures include the use of reflective mulches and insecticidal soaps. - What is a common symptom of aphid infestation on tomatoes?
a) Leaf curling
b) Fruit rot
c) Blossom drop
d) Wilting
Answer: a) Leaf curling
Explanation: Aphids (Aphis gossypii) suck sap from the leaves, causing them to curl and distort. They also excrete honeydew, which can lead to sooty mold growth on leaves. Natural predators like ladybugs can help manage aphid populations. - Which pest is known for causing blossom end rot in tomatoes?
a) Spider mites
b) Thrips
c) Cutworms
d) None of the above
Answer: d) None of the above
Explanation: Blossom end rot is primarily due to calcium deficiency rather than direct pest damage. A dark, sunken area at the blossom end of the fruit indicates this issue. Ensuring consistent watering and soil testing for calcium levels can help prevent this problem. - What is the best method to control whiteflies?
a) Chemical pesticides
b) Biological control with ladybugs
c) Manual removal
d) Trap cropping
Answer: b) Biological control with ladybugs
Explanation: Ladybugs and lacewings feed on whiteflies, helping to keep their populations in check. While chemical pesticides can be effective, they may also harm beneficial insects. Using sticky traps and reflective mulches can also deter whiteflies. - Which nutrient deficiency leads to blossom end rot?
a) Nitrogen
b) Calcium
c) Potassium
d) Magnesium
Answer: b) Calcium
Explanation: Calcium is crucial for cell wall structure; its deficiency leads to weak tissues in developing fruits. Affected fruits show dark, sunken spots at the blossom end. Regular soil amendments with lime or gypsum can help maintain adequate calcium levels. - What pest causes wilting in tomato plants?
a) Root-knot nematodes
b) Armyworms
c) Cutworms
d) Leafminers
Answer: a) Root-knot nematodes
Explanation: Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) invade roots, causing galls that disrupt nutrient uptake. Wilting and stunted growth are common symptoms due to impaired root function. Crop rotation and planting resistant varieties are effective management strategies. - Which pest is primarily responsible for leaf curl disease in tomatoes?
a) Aphids
b) Whiteflies
c) Spider mites
d) Thrips
Answer: b) Whiteflies
Explanation: Whiteflies are vectors for several viruses, including those causing leaf curl disease. Infected plants exhibit curled leaves, yellowing, and reduced vigor. Monitoring and controlling whitefly populations are critical to preventing disease spread. - What is an effective trap crop for tomato pests?
a) Cabbage
b) Marigold
c) Peppers
d) Basil
Answer: b) Marigold
Explanation: Marigolds attract pests away from tomatoes, acting as a trap crop. They also repel certain nematodes and other harmful insects due to their scent. Interplanting marigolds with tomatoes can enhance overall pest management. - Which insect pest causes holes in tomato leaves?
a) Flea beetles
b) Grasshoppers
c) Leaf miners
d) Caterpillars
Answer: a) Flea beetles
Explanation: Flea beetles (Epitrix spp.) create tiny holes in leaves as they feed on foliage. Larger grasshoppers (Caelifera) can also cause significant damage by chewing large areas of leaves. Utilizing row covers and insecticides can help mitigate damage from these pests. - How can you identify spider mite damage on tomatoes?
a) Yellowing leaves
b) Silken webs
c) Stunted growth
d) Wilting
Answer: b) Silken webs
Explanation: Spider mites produce fine webs on the undersides of leaves, indicating infestation. Leaves may appear stippled or yellowed due to feeding damage from these pests. Increasing humidity or introducing predatory mites can help control spider mite populations. - What is the main characteristic of the tomato hornworm?
a) Green color with stripes
b) Brown color with spots
c) Small size
d) Rapid movement
Answer: a) Green color with stripes
Explanation: Tomato hornworms (Manduca quinquemaculata) are large caterpillars that blend in with foliage due to their green color. They consume large amounts of foliage quickly, leading to defoliation if not controlled. Handpicking or using Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) can effectively manage hornworm populations. - Which pest feeds on the roots of tomato plants?
a) Cutworms
b) Root-knot nematodes
c) Leaf miners
d) Wireworms
Answer: b) Root-knot nematodes
Explanation: Root-knot nematodes invade roots, forming galls that hinder nutrient absorption. Plants may show wilting or stunted growth despite adequate watering and fertilization. Crop rotation with non-host crops helps break the nematode life cycle. - What is the best time to monitor for tomato pests?
a) Spring only
b) Summer only
c) Throughout the growing season
d) After heavy rain
Answer: c) Throughout the growing season
Explanation: Pests can emerge at any stage of plant growth; thus, regular checks are essential. Some pests may peak during specific times; understanding these patterns aids in timely interventions. Regular monitoring allows for early detection and management strategies. - Which disease is associated with high humidity and affects tomato leaves?
a) Late blight
b) Blossom end rot
c) Powdery mildew
d) Bacterial wilt
Answer: a) Late blight
Explanation: Late blight (Phytophthora infestans) thrives in humid conditions, leading to rapid plant decline. Symptoms include dark lesions on leaves, water-soaked spots, and rapid wilting. Prevention strategies include proper spacing for airflow and avoiding overhead watering. - What role do beneficial insects play in tomato cultivation?
a) They harm plants
b) They help control pest populations
c) They increase water needs
d) They spread diseases
Answer: b) They help control pest populations
Explanation: Natural pest control agents like ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps feed on various insect pests. Encouraging beneficial insects through companion planting enhances natural pest control methods. - Which insecticide class is effective against tomato pests?
a) Organophosphates
b) Herbicides
c) Fungicides
d) Pyrethroids
Answer: a) Organophosphates
Explanation: Organophosphates disrupt nerve function in insects, making them effective against various pests like aphids and caterpillars. However, they should be used judiciously due to potential impacts on beneficial insects and human health. - What symptom indicates aphid infestation on tomato plants?
a) Wilting leaves
b) Sticky residue (honeydew）
c) Brown spots
d) Curled leaves
Answer: b) Sticky residue (honeydew）
Explanation: Aphids produce honeydew as they feed on plant sap; this sticky substance attracts sooty mold fungus. Honeydew accumulation leads to reduced photosynthesis efficiency due to mold covering leaf surfaces. - How does crop rotation benefit tomato farming?
a) Increases soil nutrients
b) Reduces disease incidence
c) Improves water retention
d) Enhances fruit size
Answer: b) Reduces disease incidence
Explanation: Rotating crops prevents specific pests and diseases from establishing themselves in the soil over time. It helps maintain soil health by alternating nutrient demands among different crops. - Which variety of tomato is resistant to nematodes and bacterial wilt?
a) Pusa Ruby
b) Arka Vardan
c) Hisar Lalima
d) Marglobe
Answer: b) Arka Vardan
Explanation: Arka Vardan has been bred specifically for resistance against root-knot nematodes and bacterial wilt pathogens. Growing resistant varieties minimizes reliance on chemical controls. - What is the primary method for managing tomato diseases?
a) Chemical treatment only
b) Cultural practices like crop rotation
c) Ignoring symptoms
d) Planting non-resistant varieties
Answer: b) Cultural practices like crop rotation
Explanation: Implementing crop rotation reduces soil-borne diseases by disrupting pathogen cycles. Other practices include proper watering techniques, sanitation measures, and selecting disease-resistant varieties. - Which insect causes significant fruit damage in tomatoes?
a) Tomato fruit worm
b) Aphids
c) Spider mites
d) Thrips
Answer: a) Tomato fruit worm
Explanation: Tomato fruit worms (Helicoverpa zea) bore into fruits as they develop, leading to unsightly holes and decay. They also feed on foliage during their larval stage, further impacting plant health. - What is an effective organic method to deter pests from tomatoes?
a) Chemical sprays
b) Neem oil application
c) Over-fertilization
d) Companion planting with marigolds
Answer: b) Neem oil application
Explanation: Derived from the seeds of neem trees, neem oil acts as an organic pesticide that disrupts insect feeding and reproduction cycles without harming beneficial insects when used correctly. - How can you prevent fungal diseases in tomatoes?
a) Watering at night
b) Proper spacing for airflow
c) Using high nitrogen fertilizers
d) Applying copper-based fungicides
Answer: b) Proper spacing for airflow
Explanation: Adequate spacing between plants promotes airflow, reducing humidity levels around foliage that favor fungal growth such as powdery mildew or blight. Regular pruning also helps maintain airflow through dense foliage. - Which insect pest can cause stunted growth in young tomato plants?
a) Aphids
b) Tomato hornworm
c) Whiteflies
d) Cutworms
Answer: a) Aphids
Explanation: Aphids weaken young plants by feeding on their sap, leading to stunted growth and potential death if infestations are severe enough. Monitoring for early signs allows growers to implement control measures before significant damage occurs.