Fight the Fungi: Cumin Protection Quiz Quiz

Explore essential knowledge on managing major fungal diseases in cumin crops, from recognition to prevention strategies and treatments. Sharpen your skills in identifying symptoms and implementing effective control measures.

1. Identifying Cumin Wilt

   Which of the following is a primary visible symptom of Fusarium wilt in cumin plants?

   1. Yellowing and drooping of foliage
   2. Formation of white powder on leaves
   3. Development of black rust pustules
   4. Appearance of purple leaf spots

   Explanation: Yellowing and wilting of foliage are characteristic symptoms of Fusarium wilt in cumin. Black rust pustules are associated with rust diseases, white powder is typical of powdery mildew, and purple leaf spots are usually seen in Alternaria blight, not Fusarium wilt.

2. Managing Powdery Mildew

   What is the most effective cultural practice to minimize powdery mildew in cumin crops?

   1. Growing cumin in highly shaded locations
   2. Ensuring proper plant spacing for air circulation
   3. Irrigating crops during the night
   4. Applying excess nitrogen fertilizer

   Explanation: Proper plant spacing helps reduce humidity and improves airflow, lowering powdery mildew risk. Excess nitrogen can promote lush susceptible growth, irrigating at night increases leaf wetness, and shaded cultivation favors disease development.

3. Chemical Control of Blight

   Which fungicide is commonly recommended for the control of Alternaria blight in cumin fields?

   1. Mancozeb
   2. Imidacloprid
   3. Chlorpyrifos
   4. Glyphosate

   Explanation: Mancozeb is a fungicide effective against Alternaria blight. Glyphosate is an herbicide, imidacloprid is an insecticide, and chlorpyrifos is also an insecticide, none of which manage fungal diseases.

4. Crop Rotation Practices

   Why is crop rotation with non-host crops important for cumin disease management?

   1. It guarantees higher vitamin content in cumin seeds
   2. It helps break disease life cycles and lowers inoculum levels
   3. It reduces the need for weeding
   4. It increases soil acidity which kills pathogens

   Explanation: Rotating with non-hosts interrupts pathogen persistence and reduces disease risk. Changing soil acidity is not a direct benefit, weed control is a separate issue, and vitamin content is unrelated to rotation.

5. Seed Treatment Importance

   What is the main benefit of treating cumin seeds with a fungicide before sowing?

   1. It stops all insect pests immediately
   2. It increases seed size significantly
   3. It protects young plants from seed-borne fungal infections
   4. It ensures faster flowering in all plants

   Explanation: Fungicidal seed treatment helps protect seedlings against diseases present on or in the seed. It does not alter flowering time, does not control insect pests, and does not affect seed size.