Conquering Canker Quiz Quiz

Explore science-based strategies and key concepts in apple canker disease management, including symptoms, prevention, and effective horticultural practices for healthy orchards.

1. Identifying Apple Canker Symptoms

   Which symptom is most characteristic of apple canker on tree branches?

   1. Powdery white coating on leaves
   2. Sunken, dead areas with cracked bark
   3. Wilting of all leaves overnight
   4. Bright yellow fruit spots

   Explanation: Sunken, dead areas with cracked bark indicate a typical canker lesion caused by fungal pathogens. Wilting of all leaves is more typical of root diseases. Bright yellow fruit spots are unrelated to canker and may indicate other fruit diseases. A powdery white coating suggests powdery mildew, not canker.

2. Best Timing for Pruning

   When is the most effective time to prune apple trees to reduce canker infections?

   1. After heavy rainfall in spring
   2. In midsummer while trees are fully leafy
   3. During dry weather in late winter
   4. Immediately after harvesting fruits

   Explanation: Pruning in dry winter weather reduces the chance of pathogen spread and allows wounds to heal before spring. Pruning after rain or in wet conditions increases infection risk. Immediately after harvest or midsummer can encourage new, susceptible growth or expose wounds to pathogens longer.

3. Sanitation Practice in Orchards

   What is a key sanitation practice to manage and prevent apple canker spread in orchards?

   1. Watering trees every day
   2. Spraying sugary water on wounds
   3. Applying nitrogen-rich fertilizer in late summer
   4. Removing and destroying infected branches

   Explanation: Physically removing and destroying diseased wood limits sources of infection. Daily watering does not prevent canker and can worsen some conditions. Excess nitrogen late in the season can make trees more vulnerable. Sugary water promotes microbial growth and has no disease management use.

4. Role of Resistant Varieties

   Why is planting canker-resistant apple varieties recommended in integrated disease management?

   1. They need no fertilizer or irrigation
   2. They always yield larger fruits
   3. They completely eliminate all diseases
   4. They are less likely to develop severe lesions

   Explanation: Resistant varieties are bred to limit disease severity, lowered infection rates, or delayed symptom development. They do not ensure larger fruits, nor do they remove the need for proper orchard care, and cannot eliminate all diseases.

5. Fungal Pathogens Causing Apple Canker

   Which of the following is a common fungal pathogen responsible for apple canker?

   1. Neonectria ditissima
   2. Plasmodiophora brassicae
   3. Erwinia amylovora
   4. Venturia inaequalis

   Explanation: Neonectria ditissima frequently causes apple canker. Plasmodiophora brassicae affects brassicas, not apples. Venturia inaequalis causes apple scab, not canker. Erwinia amylovora is a bacterium responsible for fire blight, not a canker fungus.