Castor Crop Fungus Fighter Quiz Quiz

Explore the main fungal diseases affecting castor crops and discover their symptoms, causes, and effective management tactics. This quiz challenges your understanding of castor crop pathology in agriculture.

1. Leaf Spot Symptoms

   Which visible symptom is most characteristic of Alternaria leaf spot disease in castor crops?

   1. Leaf margins turning purple
   2. White powdery coating on leaves
   3. Circular spots with concentric rings
   4. Yellow streaks along veins

   Explanation: Alternaria leaf spot typically shows circular lesions with concentric rings, a key identifying feature. Yellow streaks are more associated with certain viral diseases, a white powdery coating is typical of powdery mildew, and purple leaf margins are usually not a sign of fungal infection in castor.

2. Causative Agent of Wilt

   Which fungal pathogen is the primary cause of wilt disease in castor plants?

   1. Rhizoctonia solani
   2. Fusarium oxysporum
   3. Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
   4. Phytophthora infestans

   Explanation: Fusarium oxysporum is responsible for castor wilt, attacking the vascular system and causing plant collapse. Phytophthora infestans is linked to late blight in potatoes, Rhizoctonia solani causes seedling rot, and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is known for white mold.

3. Powdery Mildew Management

   Which management practice is most effective for controlling powdery mildew in castor crops?

   1. Applying sulfur-based fungicides
   2. Deep flooding of the field
   3. Planting castor in partial shade
   4. Increasing soil nitrogen fertilizer

   Explanation: Sulfur-based fungicides are commonly used and effective against powdery mildew in castor. Deep flooding is not practical for this disease, adding nitrogen can worsen fungal growth, and partial shade can actually promote mildew in some cases.

4. Seedling Damping-off Concern

   A castor nursery has many seedlings dying soon after sprouting, with water-soaked stems near the soil. Which pathogen is most likely responsible?

   1. Puccinia ricini
   2. Rhizoctonia solani
   3. Colletotrichum gloeosporioides
   4. Albugo candida

   Explanation: Rhizoctonia solani is a common cause of damping-off, leading to stem lesions at the soil line in castor seedlings. Puccinia ricini causes rust, Albugo candida causes white rust, and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides leads to anthracnose rather than damping-off.

5. Rust Disease Symptoms

   What is the typical appearance of castor rust caused by Puccinia ricini on leaves?

   1. Yellow mosaic patterns
   2. Long white streaks
   3. Large black patches
   4. Small reddish-brown pustules

   Explanation: Puccinia ricini forms small, raised reddish-brown pustules on castor leaves. Large black patches are not typical of rust, yellow mosaics indicate viral infection, and long white streaks are more characteristic of certain bacterial issues.