Fungus Fighters: Cumin Care Quiz Quiz

Challenge your understanding of cumin disease management, from identifying symptoms to selecting effective control measures in agricultural practices. Learn how to protect cumin crops against major fungal threats for healthier yields.

1. Identifying Wilt Disease in Cumin

   Which symptom most clearly suggests a cumin plant is affected by Fusarium wilt in the field?

   1. Sticky honeydew and black mold on stems
   2. Irregular brown spots with yellow halos on leaves
   3. White powdery spots on leaves and stems
   4. Yellowing and sudden wilting of leaves with brown discoloration of stems

   Explanation: Yellowing and wilting with stem discoloration are classic signs of Fusarium wilt. Powdery spots indicate powdery mildew, brown spots with yellow halos suggest leaf blight, and sticky honeydew plus black mold point to pest-associated sooty mold, not Fusarium wilt.

2. Preventing Fungal Diseases in Cumin

   What is the most effective crop management practice to help reduce soil-borne fungal diseases like cumin wilt?

   1. Harvesting at an early stage
   2. Crop rotation with non-host crops
   3. Applying extra nitrogen fertilizer
   4. Increasing irrigation frequency

   Explanation: Crop rotation prevents pathogen buildup in soil, reducing disease risk. Increased irrigation can promote disease, extra nitrogen does not specifically prevent fungi, and early harvesting may not control soil pathogens.

3. Chemical Control of Powdery Mildew

   Which group of fungicides is commonly recommended for controlling powdery mildew in cumin?

   1. Herbicides
   2. Sulfur-based fungicides
   3. Boron supplements
   4. Insecticides

   Explanation: Sulfur-based fungicides effectively manage powdery mildew. Herbicides target weeds, not fungi; insecticides control pests, not fungal diseases; boron is a micronutrient, not a fungicide.

4. Role of Seed Treatment

   Why is treating cumin seeds with fungicides before sowing important for disease management?

   1. It repels insect pests from seeds
   2. It reduces chances of seed-borne fungal infections
   3. It provides extra nutrients for seedlings
   4. It increases germination speed only

   Explanation: Seed treatment controls seed-borne pathogens by killing fungal spores. It may not significantly alter germination speed, does not directly repel insect pests, and is not meant to provide nutrition.

5. Biological Alternatives in Cumin

   What is a biological method for managing soil-borne fungal diseases in cumin?

   1. Application of Trichoderma species
   2. Planting in compacted, unamended soils
   3. Use of chemical desiccants
   4. Frequent pesticide spraying

   Explanation: Trichoderma species are beneficial fungi that antagonize plant pathogens in the soil. Pesticides mainly manage insects, not fungi; chemical desiccants are not for disease management; compact soil worsens, not helps, disease issues.