Conquering Cowpea Wilt Quiz Quiz

Explore the essential facts and management strategies of cowpea diseases, focusing on common symptoms, pathogens, and prevention methods in agriculture. Ideal for students, farmers, and agricultural enthusiasts aiming to deepen their understanding of cowpea health.

1. Identifying Fungal Wilt Pathogens

   Which fungus is primarily responsible for wilt disease in cowpea crops, often causing yellowing and drooping of leaves?

   1. Fusarium oxysporum
   2. Colletotrichum truncatum
   3. Alternaria alternata
   4. Rhizoctonia solani

   Explanation: Fusarium oxysporum is the main causal agent of cowpea wilt, producing symptoms like yellowing and wilting. Rhizoctonia solani causes root rot rather than wilt. Alternaria alternata typically results in leaf spots. Colletotrichum truncatum is linked to cowpea anthracnose, not wilt.

2. Disease Spread Mechanisms

   How is Fusarium wilt most commonly spread in cowpea fields?

   1. By irrigation water alone
   2. By insect vectors
   3. Through contaminated soil and infected seeds
   4. Via wind-blown spores

   Explanation: Fusarium wilt spreads primarily through contaminated soil and infected seeds, allowing the pathogen to persist for long periods. Insect vectors are more relevant to viral diseases. Wind-blown spores are typical of some foliar fungi, not Fusarium. Irrigation water can help spread fungi, but is not the most common method here.

3. Distinguishing Bacterial Blight

   Which is a key symptom that distinguishes bacterial blight from wilt in cowpeas?

   1. Water-soaked spots with yellow halos on leaves
   2. Powdery white coating on leaf surfaces
   3. Rapid entire plant wilting without leaf lesions
   4. Root swelling and nematode galls

   Explanation: Bacterial blight is marked by water-soaked spots surrounded by yellow halos, unlike wilt, which usually lacks foliar spotting. Rapid entire plant wilting is typical of wilt diseases. Root swelling indicates nematode infection, not bacterial or fungal origin. Powdery white coating is characteristic of powdery mildew.

4. Management Practices

   What is an effective cultural practice to reduce wilt incidence in cowpea cultivation?

   1. Watering plants at midday
   2. Practicing crop rotation with non-leguminous crops
   3. Increasing plant spacing within rows
   4. Spraying insecticides regularly

   Explanation: Crop rotation with non-leguminous plants breaks the pathogen life cycle, helping control Fusarium wilt. Increased spacing can limit foliar disease, but has limited effect on soil-borne pathogens. Insecticides target pests, not fungal wilt. Watering at midday does not influence soil-borne disease control.

5. Resistant Cowpea Varieties

   Why is growing resistant cowpea varieties recommended for managing wilt?

   1. They have deeper roots that avoid infected soil
   2. They use less fertilizer so the fungus cannot thrive
   3. They are less susceptible to the fungus causing wilt
   4. They grow faster and escape infection

   Explanation: Resistant varieties have genetic traits that make them less susceptible to Fusarium infection. Deeper roots do not prevent soil-borne fungi exposure. Faster growth may help somewhat, but does not confer true resistance. Fertilizer usage does not directly affect fungal infection.