Mango Gummosis Control Quiz Quiz

Explore the causes, symptoms, and management techniques for gummosis in mango trees, an important horticultural concern. Sharpen your understanding of practical disease control methods used in agriculture.

1. Identifying Gummosis on Mango Trees

   Which visible symptom most commonly indicates gummosis in mango trees during field inspections?

   1. Wilting and yellowing of upper leaves
   2. Exudation of gummy sap from trunk or branches
   3. Small fruit with black spots
   4. Development of leaf spots with concentric rings

   Explanation: Gummosis is typically recognized by the exudation of gummy or resinous sap from the trunk or branches. Wilting/yellowing leaves are symptoms of other stresses or diseases, not specific to gummosis. Leaf spots with concentric rings suggest fungal foliar diseases. Small fruit with black spots points to fruit-specific fungal infections, not gummosis.

2. Causal Organism of Mango Gummosis

   Which pathogen is primarily responsible for causing gummosis in mango trees?

   1. Phytophthora spp.
   2. Alternaria alternata
   3. Fusarium oxysporum
   4. Colletotrichum gloeosporioides

   Explanation: Phytophthora species are the main causal agents of gummosis in mango. Fusarium oxysporum generally causes wilt diseases. Alternaria alternata is associated with leaf spot diseases, and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides commonly causes anthracnose, not gummosis.

3. Environmental Factors Contributing to Gummosis

   Which environmental condition increases the incidence of gummosis in mango orchards?

   1. Consistent dry weather
   2. Excessive sunlight
   3. Poor drainage and frequent waterlogging
   4. High soil alkalinity

   Explanation: Poor drainage and waterlogged soils create favorable conditions for Phytophthora spp. to infect mango roots and trunks, resulting in gummosis. Consistently dry weather does not favor this pathogen. High soil alkalinity and excessive sunlight are less directly involved in gummosis outbreaks.

4. Cultural Practice in Disease Management

   Which agronomic practice helps prevent mango gummosis by reducing pathogen spread?

   1. Leaving pruned branches on the ground
   2. Dense planting for higher yield
   3. Overhead irrigation in the evenings
   4. Improving orchard drainage systems

   Explanation: Effective drainage minimizes waterlogging, which reduces the risk of Phytophthora infection. Leaving pruned branches on the ground can harbor pathogens. Overhead irrigation, especially in the evenings, increases humidity and disease risk. Dense planting generally worsens disease spread due to poor air circulation.

5. Chemical Control for Gummosis

   Which chemical group is often recommended for controlling mango gummosis involving trunk applications?

   1. Sulfonylurea herbicides
   2. Plant growth regulators
   3. Copper-based fungicides
   4. Insecticidal soaps

   Explanation: Copper-based fungicides are commonly used to manage Phytophthora-related gummosis in mango. Sulfonylurea herbicides control weeds, not fungi. Insecticidal soaps target pests, and plant growth regulators influence plant development rather than manage fungal diseases.