Defeat the Cumin Fungus Quiz Quiz

Sharpen your knowledge of effective cumin disease management practices and identify best approaches to control major cumin fungal diseases. Improve crop yield by recognizing symptoms and choosing the right interventions.

1. Identifying Wilt Disease

   In cumin crops, sudden wilting, yellow leaves, and brown vascular discoloration are typical signs of which fungal disease?

   1. Downy mildew
   2. Alternaria blight
   3. Powdery mildew
   4. Fusarium wilt

   Explanation: Fusarium wilt is characterized by yellowing and wilting of leaves, as well as brown discoloration in the vascular tissue. Powdery mildew produces white powdery spots, Alternaria blight shows dark lesions with concentric rings, and downy mildew creates yellow patches with grayish mold. Correct identification is key for management.

2. Preventing Disease Spread

   Which practice is most effective for reducing the risk of fungal disease spread in cumin fields?

   1. Ignoring weed management
   2. Overhead irrigation
   3. Crop rotation
   4. Dense planting

   Explanation: Crop rotation reduces pathogen build-up in soil and interrupts disease cycles. Overhead irrigation can increase humidity and disease risk, dense planting restricts airflow and encourages fungal growth, and neglecting weeds provides alternative hosts for pathogens.

3. Choosing Fungicide Timing

   At what stage should systemic fungicide be applied to cumin crops for effective control of downy mildew?

   1. At full maturity
   2. After harvest
   3. Early vegetative stage
   4. During seed storage

   Explanation: Systemic fungicides are most effective when applied at the early vegetative stage, before or at the onset of infection. Post-harvest and seed storage applications do not protect growing plants, and waiting until full maturity is too late since the infection has already occurred.

4. Disease-Resistant Varieties

   Why is growing disease-resistant cumin varieties recommended for fungal disease management?

   1. They require more chemical treatments
   2. They delay the harvest period
   3. They are less susceptible to infections
   4. They have higher water needs

   Explanation: Resistant varieties reduce the likelihood and severity of infections, lowering the need for chemicals. They do not increase water requirements or delay harvest, and they minimize, not maximize, chemical treatments.

5. Sanitation Importance

   How does proper field sanitation contribute to managing cumin fungal diseases such as Alternaria blight?

   1. Removes infected plant debris
   2. Increases humidity in the field
   3. Slows plant growth
   4. Promotes spore survival

   Explanation: Proper sanitation removes diseased residues that harbor fungal spores, reducing primary infection sources. It does not promote spore survival or increase humidity. Field sanitation does not slow plant growth; instead, it helps keep plants healthy.