Mastering Mancozeb Use Quiz Quiz

Enhance your understanding of Mancozeb application, safety, and resistance management in agricultural disease control. This quiz covers essential aspects for effective and responsible use in crop protection.

1. Mode of Action

   Which best describes the primary mode of action of Mancozeb in protecting crops from fungal diseases?

   1. Penetrates plant tissues and kills pathogens from within
   2. Acts as a contact fungicide disrupting metabolic processes on plant surfaces
   3. Functions by sterilizing seeds before planting
   4. Induces plant systemic acquired resistance

   Explanation: Mancozeb is a protectant fungicide that acts on the surface of plants, disrupting essential metabolic processes in fungal pathogens. It does not penetrate plant tissues (so option B is incorrect), nor does it induce systemic resistance (option C). While it may be used on seeds as a protective treatment, its main function is not sterilization (option D).

2. Crop Suitability

   Which crop is Mancozeb commonly used to protect against fungal diseases such as blight and leaf spots?

   1. Banana
   2. Wheat
   3. Potato
   4. Sugarcane

   Explanation: Potato crops are frequently treated with Mancozeb to manage fungal diseases like late blight. While wheat, sugarcane, and banana face their own disease pressures, Mancozeb is not commonly used for their primary fungal issues.

3. Safety Measures

   Which is an important safety step when handling and applying Mancozeb in the field?

   1. Wearing gloves and protective clothing
   2. Storing with food and animal feed
   3. Relying on bare hands for better control
   4. Applying it in windy conditions for better spread

   Explanation: Personal protective equipment such as gloves and clothing limits skin contact, reducing exposure risks with Mancozeb. Applying in wind (option B) increases drift hazards; storing with food/feed (option C) is unsafe; handling with bare hands (option D) is not recommended.

4. Resistance Management

   To help prevent the development of fungicide resistance when using Mancozeb, which practice is recommended?

   1. Alternating Mancozeb with fungicides of different modes of action
   2. Spraying during rainfall for better absorption
   3. Increasing the dose beyond label instructions
   4. Using only Mancozeb for every application

   Explanation: Rotation with fungicides that have different modes of action helps slow resistance build-up. Solely using Mancozeb or over-dosing (options B & C) can speed resistance. Spraying during rain (option D) may reduce product efficacy and increase runoff.

5. Residue Concerns

   What is the main reason to observe pre-harvest intervals (PHI) after using Mancozeb on edible crops?

   1. To increase cosmetic appearance of produce
   2. To enhance fertilizer uptake efficiency
   3. To prevent leaf yellowing before market
   4. To ensure residue levels are safe for human consumption

   Explanation: Respecting PHI allows residues to drop below legal and safe levels before harvest. Leaf color (option B) and cosmetic issues (option C) are not PHI concerns. Fertilizer uptake (option D) is unrelated to fungicide residue management.