Strengthen your knowledge of garlic disease management by evaluating real-world root health scenarios and best practices in horticulture. This quiz covers key diseases, symptoms, and preventive measures for maintaining healthy garlic crops.
A garlic farmer discovers yellowing leaves and soft roots with white, fluffy fungal growth at the base of the plants. Which disease is most likely responsible?
Explanation: White rot is characterized by the white fungal mycelium and root decay described. Downy mildew typically affects leaves with purplish mold, rust appears as orange pustules, and purple blotch shows oval, purple lesions, not white fungal growth on roots.
When garlic plants show basal plate browning and die prematurely, which practice helps reduce Fusarium basal rot in future crops?
Explanation: Crop rotation reduces Fusarium build-up in soil by alternating with non-host crops. Overhead watering can increase humidity and spread, lime sulfur sprays are ineffective for soil-borne Fusarium, and nitrogen without balance may stress roots.
A grower notices stunted garlic plants with swollen, deformed roots but no visible fungal growth. What is the likely problem?
Explanation: Nematode infestations cause root swelling and deformation without obvious fungal signs. Botrytis rot usually presents gray mold, Sclerotinia has white fluffy growth with black sclerotia, and pink root results in pinkish, not deformed, roots.
Which approach is most effective for minimizing the risk of persistent soil-borne diseases in commercial garlic production?
Explanation: Using disease-free seed prevents introducing pathogens to fields. Weekly copper sprays do not address soil-borne diseases, late planting does not guarantee healthy growth, and excess irrigation can promote rot and spread diseases.
A field sample displays roots that have turned a pinkish or purplish color but remain firm, while the above-ground parts show poor growth. What is the most likely cause?
Explanation: Pink root causes the distinctive discoloration while roots remain firm. Downy mildew affects foliage, white rot leads to soft and decayed roots, and anthracnose mainly affects leaves or stems, not the roots with this coloration.