Conquering Cumin Root Fungi Quiz

Explore key fungi causing root diseases in cumin, their symptoms, spread, and management for healthier crops. Perfect for growers and agriculture students seeking practical plant health knowledge.

1. Identifying Major Cumin Root Pathogens

   Which fungal pathogen is most commonly responsible for causing cumin wilt, a serious root disease in cumin fields?

   1. Fusarium oxysporum
   2. Ascochyta rabiei
   3. Penicillium citrinum
   4. Alternaria alternata

   Explanation: Fusarium oxysporum is widely known as the major cause of cumin wilt, attacking roots and leading to severe plant loss. Alternaria alternata typically causes leaf spots, not root wilt. Penicillium citrinum is associated more with seed spoilage than root disease. Ascochyta rabiei mainly affects chickpea, not cumin.

2. Symptom Recognition in Infected Cumin

   What is a typical visible symptom of cumin plants affected by root rot caused by fungus?

   1. Blistering of fruit skin
   2. Yellowing and sudden wilting of lower leaves
   3. Purple streaks on seed pods
   4. Powdery white coating on leaves

   Explanation: Yellowing and rapid wilting of lower leaves are classic early signs of root rot in cumin. Powdery white coating points to powdery mildew, not root rot. Purple streaks typically indicate viral or specific bacterial issues, not fungal root disease. Blistering of fruit skin is unrelated to root pathogens.

3. Pathogen Survival and Spread

   Which factor most increases the risk of cumin root diseases spreading rapidly in a field?

   1. Continuous monocropping of cumin
   2. Growing cumin in sandy soil with good drainage
   3. Applying organic mulch
   4. Using drip irrigation instead of flooding

   Explanation: Monocropping cumin year after year builds up soilborne pathogens like Fusarium, raising disease spread. Organic mulching can actually improve soil health. Sandy soils with good drainage typically decrease fungal root disease. Drip irrigation reduces leaf and soil moisture compared to flooding, limiting disease prevalence.

4. Effective Management Practices

   Which strategy is most effective in managing cumin root diseases caused by fungi in an integrated approach?

   1. Removing all weeds from field margins only
   2. Rotating cumin with non-host crops
   3. Increasing chemical fertilizer doses
   4. Delaying sowing to late summer

   Explanation: Rotating with non-host crops reduces pathogen buildup in the soil, breaking the disease cycle. Increasing fertilizer may stress plants if not balanced but does not control fungus. Delaying sowing can expose plants to unfavorable conditions. Weeding is useful but only from margins has limited direct effect on root-specific fungi.

5. Favorable Conditions for Root Fungus

   During which environmental condition are cumin crops most vulnerable to root diseases caused by fungi like Fusarium?

   1. Waterlogged soil after heavy rains
   2. Dry air and low humidity
   3. Extended frost periods
   4. High soil salinity sans moisture

   Explanation: Fungal pathogens such as Fusarium thrive and spread in waterlogged soils as oxygen levels decrease, harming cumin roots. Dry air and low humidity typically minimize fungal growth. Extended frost can reduce disease development. High salinity stresses plants but does not directly favor root fungi without moisture.