Defending Cumin Roots Quiz Quiz

Explore the key diseases affecting cumin roots and the best strategies for prevention and control. Build your understanding of symptoms, causes, and sustainable management methods in cumin agriculture.

1. Recognition of Major Cumin Root Disease

   Which fungal disease is most commonly responsible for root rot in cumin crops, often causing yellowing and wilting of plants in poorly drained soils?

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

   Explanation: Fusarium wilt is the primary fungal disease attacking cumin roots, particularly in soils with poor drainage, causing wilting and yellowing. Powdery mildew and downy mildew mainly affect aerial parts, not roots. Alternaria blight usually causes leaf spots, not root problems.

2. Typical Symptom Identification

   What is a distinguishing symptom of root rot disease in cumin caused by Fusarium oxysporum?

   1. Yellow specks on leaf undersides
   2. White powdery substance on leaves
   3. Brown leaf spots with concentric rings
   4. Wilting and stunted growth

   Explanation: Wilting and stunted growth are typical symptoms of Fusarium oxysporum root rot. White powder on leaves is linked to powdery mildew, brown concentric spots occur with Alternaria blight, and yellow specks below leaves point to downy mildew, not root disease.

3. Causative Organisms

   Which of the following pathogens causes wilt and root rot in cumin, leading to significant yield loss?

   1. Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
   2. Rhizobium leguminosarum
   3. Fusarium oxysporum
   4. Pseudomonas syringae

   Explanation: Fusarium oxysporum is a pathogenic fungus known for causing cumin root wilt and rot. Rhizobium is a beneficial bacterium, Pseudomonas syringae generally affects above-ground tissues, and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum can cause rot but is less typical for cumin roots.

4. Disease Management Practices

   Which agronomic practice is most effective in reducing the risk of cumin root diseases such as wilt?

   1. Frequent overhead irrigation
   2. Crop rotation
   3. Intercropping with the same family
   4. Applying excessive nitrogen fertilizer

   Explanation: Crop rotation interrupts the disease cycle and reduces pathogen buildup in the soil. Overhead irrigation can worsen conditions by promoting wetness. Intercropping with related plants may increase disease risk, and too much nitrogen does not directly control root diseases.

5. Environmental Factors

   How does excessive soil moisture affect cumin root health with regard to disease development?

   1. It has no impact on disease development
   2. It strengthens root immunity to Fusarium
   3. It promotes root rot by encouraging fungal growth
   4. It prevents all forms of disease

   Explanation: High soil moisture favors fungal proliferation and root rot development in cumin roots. It does not prevent diseases or strengthen root immunity; ignoring the effect of moisture is incorrect as moisture is a key factor in disease occurrence.