Defeating Root Fungus in Chickpea Quiz

Explore key knowledge about common root diseases affecting chickpea crops, their symptoms, and management strategies for sustainable agriculture.

1. Identifying Fusarium Wilt

   A chickpea farmer notices yellowing and wilting of leaves, with brown streaks visible in the vascular tissue of roots; which disease is most likely responsible?

   1. Powdery mildew
   2. Bacterial blight
   3. Fusarium wilt
   4. Ascochyta blight

   Explanation: Fusarium wilt causes yellowing and wilting due to fungal blockage of water transport, and vascular discoloration is a typical sign. Powdery mildew mostly affects leaves' surfaces with a white coating. Ascochyta blight usually presents as lesions on stems and leaves, not root browning. Bacterial blight primarily causes water-soaked spots and rapid wilting but rarely vascular streaking.

2. Rhizoctonia Root Rot Symptoms

   Which symptom is most commonly associated with Rhizoctonia root rot in chickpea plants?

   1. Leaf mosaic patterns
   2. Brown, dry lesions on the lower stem near the soil line
   3. Haloed leaf spots
   4. Cottony white mycelium on pods

   Explanation: Rhizoctonia root rot typically causes brown, sunken, dry lesions at or just below the soil line. Haloed leaf spots are more characteristic of some viral diseases. Cottony white mycelium on pods is often associated with Sclerotinia. Mosaic leaf patterns indicate viral infections, not root rot.

3. Pathogen Spread and Management

   Which agricultural practice is most effective in reducing the impact of chickpea root diseases like Fusarium wilt and Rhizoctonia root rot?

   1. Tight monoculture planting
   2. Increasing irrigation frequency
   3. Crop rotation with non-leguminous crops
   4. Applying foliar fertilizers only

   Explanation: Crop rotation interrupts the life cycle of soil-borne pathogens that specifically affect chickpeas, reducing disease buildup. Increasing irrigation can worsen some root diseases by promoting pathogen proliferation. Foliar fertilizers help plant nutrition but do not manage root pathogens. Continuous monoculture planting increases disease risk.

4. Distinguishing Root Knot Nematode Damage

   A chickpea field shows stunted plants with swollen, knot-like galls on roots; which pathogen is likely involved?

   1. Root knot nematode
   2. Verticillium dahliae
   3. Alternaria alternata
   4. Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

   Explanation: Root knot nematodes cause visible root galls as they invade and feed on roots. Verticillium dahliae leads to wilting without distinct galls. Sclerotinia causes white mold rather than knots. Alternaria alternata typically affects above-ground tissues and creates dark spots, not root swellings.

5. Favorable Conditions for Disease Outbreak

   Which environmental condition most favors the development of Phytophthora root rot in chickpea cultivation?

   1. High soil pH
   2. Low soil moisture
   3. Poorly drained, waterlogged soils
   4. Cool and dry weather

   Explanation: Phytophthora root rot thrives in saturated, poorly drained soils where the pathogen's motile spores can move easily. Low soil moisture reduces disease risk. Cool, dry weather does not support the pathogen's growth. Soil pH impacts some diseases but is less critical than moisture conditions for Phytophthora.