Citrus Health Defender Quiz Quiz

Explore essential strategies for preventing citrus diseases by identifying vectors, managing orchard hygiene, and using cultural and chemical controls safely and effectively. Gain practical knowledge for healthier citrus production.

1. Citrus Greening Prevention

   To reduce the risk of citrus greening (Huanglongbing), which action is most effective when establishing a new orchard?

   1. Watering trees only at night
   2. Interplanting citrus with tomatoes
   3. Using extra nitrogen fertilizer
   4. Planting certified disease-free seedlings

   Explanation: Planting certified disease-free seedlings minimizes early infection risk, as infected plants quickly spread the bacteria. Watering at night does not address disease vectors. Extra nitrogen can contribute to vigorous growth but not disease prevention. Interplanting with tomatoes does not reduce greening risk, as tomatoes are not hosts.

2. Sanitation Practices

   What is the primary benefit of regularly removing fallen leaves and fruit from around citrus trees in disease prevention?

   1. It reduces sources of fungal spores and pest habitats.
   2. It protects against cold damage.
   3. It improves fruit size through increased soil minerals.
   4. It lowers the tree's need for irrigation.

   Explanation: Clearing fallen debris limits fungal pathogen sources and deprives pests of habitat, helping break disease cycles. While this may indirectly influence soil health, it does not directly increase mineral supply, affect water requirements, or protect against temperature extremes.

3. Vector Management

   Which insect pest is a major vector of citrus greening disease, making its control crucial for disease prevention?

   1. Cabbage looper
   2. Asian citrus psyllid
   3. Western flower thrips
   4. Colorado potato beetle

   Explanation: The Asian citrus psyllid transmits the bacteria causing citrus greening; controlling this insect is key. The other listed insects do not spread this disease and are generally associated with other host plants.

4. Fungicide Application

   When should fungicides typically be applied to be most effective in preventing citrus fungal diseases like greasy spot?

   1. During harvest only
   2. After pruning in winter only
   3. Before the rainy season begins
   4. Every week throughout the year

   Explanation: Applying fungicides before rain helps prevent spore germination and infection, since wet conditions favor disease. Only treating during harvest or after pruning misses critical infection periods. Weekly application is unnecessary and may foster resistance or negative environmental impacts.

5. Resistant Varieties

   What is one long-term strategy to lower the risk of citrus diseases in orchards?

   1. Planting disease-resistant citrus varieties
   2. Limiting tree spacing to maximize yield
   3. Applying only organic mulch layers
   4. Using irrigation from surface canals

   Explanation: Choosing resistant varieties offers ongoing protection against certain diseases. Narrow spacing can increase disease spread, organic mulch alone does not address most diseases, and surface water may introduce pathogens if untreated.