Fungal Foes of Chilli Quiz Quiz

Challenge your understanding of major fungal diseases affecting chilli plants in horticulture with scenario-based questions and practical examples.

1. Identification of Damping-Off in Chilli Seedlings

   A batch of young chilli seedlings suddenly collapse at the soil line, exhibiting water-soaked lesions. Which fungal disease is most likely responsible?

   1. Mosaic virus
   2. Damping-off
   3. Leaf curl
   4. Powdery mildew

   Explanation: Damping-off is a soil-borne fungal disease that causes seedlings to rot at the base, leading to their sudden collapse. Powdery mildew typically causes a white powdery growth on leaves, not stem lesions. Leaf curl and mosaic virus are caused by viruses, not fungi, and present different symptoms.

2. Anthracnose Symptoms on Chilli Fruits

   Mature red chilli fruits develop sunken, dark circular spots with pinkish spore masses. What fungal disease is this most characteristic of?

   1. Anthracnose
   2. Rust
   3. Verticillium wilt
   4. Early blight

   Explanation: Anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum species, is identified by sunken spots with salmon or pink spores on chilli fruits. Early blight affects leaves more commonly, Verticillium wilt primarily causes plant wilting, and rust appears as pustules, not sunken spots.

3. Control Measure for Powdery Mildew

   When fine white powder appears on the upper surface of chilli leaves during dry weather, which cultural practice helps manage this fungal disease?

   1. Flood irrigation
   2. Increasing air circulation
   3. Partial shading
   4. High nitrogen fertilizer

   Explanation: Powdery mildew thrives in humid, stagnant air, so improving air circulation reduces humidity and discourages disease. Flood irrigation can increase humidity, nitrogen excess may increase susceptibility, and shading does not specifically target fungal growth.

4. Fungal Cause of Fruit Rot in Wet Conditions

   During continuous wet weather, chilli fruits soften, exhibit fuzzy gray mold, and rot on the plant. Which fungus is the most probable cause?

   1. Oidium
   2. Fusarium
   3. Phytophthora
   4. Alternaria

   Explanation: Phytophthora is a water-loving fungus responsible for fruit rot and gray mold during wet conditions. Fusarium is more associated with vascular wilts, Alternaria with dried leaf spots, and Oidium is another name for the powdery mildew fungus.

5. Alternaria Leaf Spot Recognition

   Older chilli leaves develop small, dark concentric spots with yellow halos that later coalesce. Which fungal pathogen is typically responsible?

   1. Botrytis
   2. Alternaria
   3. Rhizopus
   4. Pythium

   Explanation: Alternaria manifests as dark, concentric ring spots with yellow margins, a classic sign of leaf spot. Pythium usually causes seedling damping-off, Botrytis produces gray mold on fruits and flowers, and Rhizopus is a common bread mold rarely pathogenic to chillies.