Fungus Fighters: Cumin Edition Quiz

Explore crucial strategies for managing major fungal diseases in cumin crops and enhance your agricultural expertise. This quiz covers identification, prevention, and control measures for healthier cumin yields.

1. Identifying Wilt in Cumin

   Which symptom most likely indicates the presence of Fusarium wilt in a cumin crop?

   1. Circular brown spots with white centers on leaves
   2. Yellowing and wilting of leaves starting from the base
   3. Powdery white coating on leaf surfaces
   4. Black stem lesions near soil line

   Explanation: Fusarium wilt in cumin typically starts with yellowing and wilting at the lower leaves, progressing upwards. The other options represent symptoms of different diseases: leaf spots with white centers relate to other leaf pathogens, powdery coatings are characteristic of powdery mildew, and black stem lesions are not a primary symptom of Fusarium wilt in cumin.

2. Optimal Sowing for Disease Prevention

   Which sowing practice reduces the risk of soil-borne diseases in cumin fields?

   1. Planting late in the season
   2. Using certified disease-free seeds
   3. Adding excessive nitrogen fertilizer
   4. Irrigating every day

   Explanation: Certified disease-free seeds help prevent the introduction of pathogenic fungi such as Fusarium or Alternaria. Late planting can increase disease risk due to unfavorable conditions. Overuse of nitrogen and excessive irrigation can also promote disease development by creating a humid environment.

3. Chemical Control Agents

   Which fungicide is most commonly recommended for controlling powdery mildew in cumin?

   1. Herbicidal sprays
   2. Copper oxychloride
   3. Mancozeb
   4. Sulfur-based fungicides

   Explanation: Sulfur-based fungicides are widely used for powdery mildew control in cumin. Copper oxychloride and mancozeb are more effective against other fungal diseases, and herbicidal sprays do not target fungi.

4. Cultural Disease Management

   How does crop rotation aid in cumin fungal disease management?

   1. It improves soil fertility only
   2. It reduces the buildup of soil-borne pathogens
   3. It increases water availability
   4. It accelerates cumin seed germination

   Explanation: Crop rotation interrupts the life cycles of fungal pathogens by preventing continuous host availability. Improved soil fertility and increased water availability are benefits of crop rotation but not directly related to fungal disease reduction, and germination rates are not specifically impacted by this practice.

5. Recognizing Downy Mildew Outbreak

   During cool, humid weather, a cumin crop shows purplish spots on leaves and stunted growth. Which disease is most likely responsible?

   1. Downy mildew
   2. Root rot
   3. Smut
   4. Aphid infestation

   Explanation: Cool and humid conditions favor downy mildew, which presents as purplish spots and stunted growth. Root rot typically causes yellowing and wilting, smut produces black fungal growths, and aphids are insect pests, not fungi.