Fungus Fighters: Protecting Your Cumin Crop Quiz

Discover key practices and knowledge for managing fungal diseases in cumin cultivation. This quiz covers identification, prevention, and control of common pathogens affecting cumin yields.

1. Identifying Common Cumin Diseases

   A cumin farmer notices yellow-brown spots on the leaves and rapid plant wilting during humid weather. Which fungal disease is most likely responsible?

   1. Powdery mildew
   2. Alternaria blight
   3. Downy mildew
   4. Fusarium wilt

   Explanation: Fusarium wilt typically causes yellowing, browning, and wilting in cumin, especially in moist conditions. Powdery mildew shows as white powdery patches, not just yellow spots. Downy mildew mainly causes pale yellow patches with grayish growth. Alternaria blight produces dark brown spots and is less associated with rapid wilting.

2. Fungus Spread Prevention

   Which agricultural practice is most effective for reducing the spread of soil-borne fungal diseases in consecutive cumin crops?

   1. Frequent irrigation
   2. Crop rotation
   3. Using high nitrogen fertilizer
   4. Planting seeds closer together

   Explanation: Crop rotation reduces the build-up of specific fungal pathogens in the soil. Over-irrigation can worsen some diseases. Excess nitrogen mainly influences growth, not disease directly. Planting seeds too close increases humidity and disease risk.

3. Chemical Disease Control

   If powdery mildew appears as white patches on cumin leaves, which management approach should be prioritized for quick disease control?

   1. Delaying irrigation
   2. Fungicide spray
   3. Hand-picking infected leaves
   4. Reducing seed rate

   Explanation: Fungicide spraying is most effective for rapid control of powdery mildew. Hand-picking is impractical for mildew, which spreads easily. Lowering seed rate and changing irrigation might help prevent, but don't control existing infection quickly.

4. Seed Treatment Importance

   Why is treating cumin seeds with fungicide before sowing recommended to control damping-off?

   1. It kills fungal spores on the seed surface
   2. It prevents insect attacks
   3. It ensures uniform seed size
   4. It improves germination rate by 50%

   Explanation: Seed treatment with fungicide protects seedlings by eliminating pathogens present on or around the seed. While it may have slight positive effects on vigor, it does not increase germination by half, does not influence seed size, nor does it directly combat insects.

5. Resistant Varieties

   How does growing disease-resistant cumin varieties help manage fungal diseases in the field?

   1. They require no irrigation
   2. They reduce the likelihood of infection
   3. They prevent weed growth
   4. They enhance soil fertility

   Explanation: Disease-resistant varieties are bred to withstand specific pathogens, lowering disease occurrence. They still need irrigation, do not change soil fertility, and are not designed for weed management.