Fight the Fungi: Cumin Protection Quiz Quiz

Sharpen your knowledge of cumin disease management with these key questions covering identification, prevention, and control strategies. Ideal for growers and agricultural enthusiasts interested in safeguarding cumin crops from major fungal threats.

1. Identifying Wilt in Cumin

   Which visible symptom most commonly indicates Fusarium wilt infection in a cumin crop?

   1. Leaf tips turning purple
   2. Powdery white coating on stems
   3. Sudden yellowing and wilting of lower leaves
   4. Water-soaked spots on pods

   Explanation: Fusarium wilt in cumin causes lower leaves to yellow and wilt due to the blockage of water transport. Water-soaked spots on pods are more typical of bacterial diseases. A powdery white coating suggests powdery mildew, not wilt. Purple tips can result from nutrient deficiencies rather than fungal wilt.

2. Disease Spread Factors

   What farming practice is most likely to help spread Alternaria blight in a cumin field?

   1. Deep plowing
   2. Overhead irrigation
   3. Crop rotation
   4. Certified seed use

   Explanation: Overhead irrigation creates leaf wetness that favors Alternaria spore dispersal. Crop rotation and certified seed use help reduce disease risk. Deep plowing buries crop residues and typically lowers surface inoculum, reducing spread.

3. Seed Treatment Options

   Which of the following methods is most effective for reducing seed-borne fungal pathogens in cumin before planting?

   1. Treating seeds with recommended fungicides
   2. Irrigating seeds before sowing
   3. Leaving seeds in sunlight for 1 hour
   4. Using high-nitrogen fertilizers

   Explanation: Treating seeds with appropriate fungicides helps control fungal pathogens residing on or in the seed. Sunlight exposure for a short time is ineffective. High-nitrogen fertilizers and irrigating seeds before sowing do not eliminate seed-borne fungi.

4. Resistant Varieties

   Planting which type of cumin seed can help prevent the development of powdery mildew?

   1. Broken or damaged seeds
   2. Disease-resistant cultivars
   3. Wild cumin seeds
   4. Leftover seeds from previous harvest

   Explanation: Disease-resistant cultivars are specifically bred to withstand or tolerate powdery mildew infections. Wild seeds may not have resistance. Damaged and leftover seeds can carry pathogens and don't offer protection.

5. Integrated Disease Management

   Which strategy best exemplifies integrated disease management for cumin fungal diseases?

   1. Exclusive reliance on chemical control
   2. Irrigating fields at night only
   3. Planting the same crop continuously
   4. Combining crop rotation, resistant varieties, and appropriate fungicide application

   Explanation: Integrated disease management involves using multiple tactics—crop rotation, resistant seeds, and judicious fungicide use—for sustainable control. Continuous monocropping and exclusive chemical control can increase risk of disease and resistance. Irrigating at night may encourage fungal growth.