Fungi Fighters in Cumin Quiz Quiz

Explore key concepts and strategies in managing fungal diseases of cumin crops, with questions on symptoms, preventive practices, disease identification, and integrated management. Enhance your understanding of effective and sustainable approaches to cumin disease control.

1. Identifying Wilt Symptoms

   A farmer finds their cumin plants showing sudden wilting and yellowing of lower leaves during the early growth stage; which fungal disease is most likely responsible?

   1. Downy mildew
   2. Powdery mildew
   3. Anthracnose
   4. Fusarium wilt

   Explanation: Fusarium wilt commonly causes wilting and yellowing of lower leaves in cumin, especially during the early growth phase. Downy mildew typically presents as whitish patches on the underside of leaves. Anthracnose causes dark, sunken lesions, while powdery mildew gives a powdery appearance to leaves but does not cause wilting initially.

2. Cultural Prevention Tactics

   Which cultural practice is most effective in reducing soil-borne fungal diseases in cumin, such as wilt and blight?

   1. Crop rotation with non-host plants
   2. Applying excess nitrogen fertilizer
   3. Late sowing of cumin seeds
   4. Irrigating late in the day

   Explanation: Crop rotation with plants that are not hosts for fungal pathogens interrupts the disease lifecycle and reduces inoculum levels in the soil. Late sowing may increase risk as environmental conditions could favor pathogens. Late irrigation promotes humidity, which may worsen disease. Excess nitrogen can make plants more susceptible to certain diseases.

3. Fungicide Timing

   When is the best timing to apply fungicides for effective management of downy mildew in cumin crops?

   1. After plant wilting is severe
   2. Only at harvest time
   3. At the first sign of symptoms
   4. During the hottest part of the day

   Explanation: Applying fungicide at the first visible sign of downy mildew improves disease control and prevents spread. Waiting until wilting is severe is often too late. Fungicides are not effective when only applied at harvest, and application during the hottest time of day can reduce their efficacy.

4. Understanding Powdery Mildew

   What is a key visible sign of powdery mildew infection in cumin fields?

   1. Yellow streaks on leaf edges
   2. Black sunken spots on fruits
   3. Root rot at the seedling stage
   4. White powdery coating on leaves and stems

   Explanation: Powdery mildew is recognized by its characteristic white, powdery growth on the aboveground parts of plants. Black sunken spots are typically seen in anthracnose, yellow streaks are not standard symptoms, and root rot is associated with different pathogens.

5. Integrated Management Approach

   Which approach best exemplifies integrated disease management for fungal diseases in cumin cultivation?

   1. Using overhead irrigation systems
   2. Combining crop rotation, resistant varieties, and timely fungicide application
   3. Relying solely on chemical fungicides
   4. Applying fertilizer beyond recommended rates

   Explanation: An integrated management approach uses multiple strategies—such as crop rotation, resistant varieties, and well-timed fungicide applications—for sustainable disease control. Reliance on only chemicals may lead to resistance; overhead irrigation can promote disease; excess fertilizer does not prevent and can even worsen fungal diseases.