Explore key problems faced in cumin cultivation and understand scientifically supported solutions to keep your crop healthy and productive. This quiz covers common diseases, pests, management practices, and agronomic concerns specific to cumin farming.
A cumin farmer observes sudden yellowing and wilting of plants, especially under hot, dry conditions. Which fungal pathogen is most commonly responsible for wilt in cumin crops?
Explanation: Fusarium oxysporum is the principal cause of wilt in cumin, entering the plant through roots and causing wilting symptoms. Alternaria alternata more commonly causes leaf spot, Rhizoctonia solani is associated with damping-off, and Puccinia graminis is a rust pathogen primarily of cereals, not cumin.
During flowering, tiny larvae cause webbing and feed inside cumin umbels, damaging seeds. Which pest is most likely responsible for this damage?
Explanation: Helicoverpa armigera larvae attack cumin flowers and seeds, causing visible damage. Cumin Seed Bug feeds externally on seeds but does not create webbing, aphids suck sap causing curling rather than direct seed damage, and Cumin Gall Midge creates galls, not webbing, on stems or flowers.
A cumin field displays stunted plants with yellowed leaves and poor root growth after irrigation with saline water. What is the principal soil-related issue affecting the crop?
Explanation: Soil salinity, often due to the use of saline water for irrigation, impairs nutrient and water uptake in cumin, causing stunting and chlorosis. Waterlogging is less common in well-drained soils where cumin grows, acidity rarely causes these symptoms in cumin areas, and iron toxicity typically produces different visual cues and is uncommon in dry regions.
For North Indian conditions, when should cumin seeds be sown to maximize germination and yield while reducing disease risk?
Explanation: Sowing cumin in November to early December provides suitable temperatures and lowers risk of early-season disease outbreaks. July to August is monsoon season and not suitable for cumin, January to February is too late for optimal yields, and April to May is too hot for healthy seedling establishment.
A cumin crop shows poor seed set and pale green leaves but normal moisture and pest management. Which major nutrient deficiency is indicated?
Explanation: Nitrogen deficiency in cumin leads to pale green leaves and reduced seed set due to poor vegetative and reproductive growth. Phosphorus deficiency would result in stunted roots and purpling, calcium deficiency would cause distorted young tissue, and magnesium usually creates interveinal yellowing in older leaves, uncommon as a primary issue in cumin.