CDFA Pest Prevention Plant Regulation Practice Exam

The pickleworm does its greatest damage in which type of crops?

1. Early maturing crops

2. Winter vegetables

3. Late maturing crops

4. Truck crops during all seasons

The correct answer is: Late maturing crops

The pickleworm, scientifically known as Diaphania nitidalis, is particularly harmful to late maturing crops. This pest primarily targets cucurbit plants, which include vegetables such as cucumbers, melons, and squash. Late maturing crops generally provide a longer period for the pickleworm population to develop and cause damage. As these crops approach maturity, they are more susceptible to infestations, leading to significant damage to fruit and overall crop yield. In contrast, early maturing crops may not face the same level of risk since they develop and are harvested quickly before the pest population peaks. Winter vegetables also have a different growing cycle and environmental conditions, which may not favor the reproduction of pickleworms. Truck crops, typically associated with quick turnover and diverse plantings, may experience infestations but are not specifically linked to the highest levels of damage observed with late maturing crops. The life cycle and feeding habits of the pickleworm further emphasize why late maturing crops are at greater risk and experience more severe outbreaks, as the pests have ample time to reproduce and infest these crops before harvesting.