Mastering Mango Die Back Quiz Quiz

Explore key strategies and facts about managing die back disease in mango cultivation. Assess understanding of symptoms, causes, prevention, and control measures for healthy mango orchards.

1. Die Back Symptoms Identification

   Which of the following is a common symptom of die back disease in mango trees?

   1. Yellow mosaic on leaves
   2. Drying of twigs from the tip backward
   3. Ripening of fruit prematurely
   4. Root rot near the base

   Explanation: Die back disease typically presents as drying of twigs and branches starting from the tip towards the base. Premature fruit ripening usually relates to other physiological disorders, yellow mosaic is indicative of viral infections, and root rot is more commonly caused by different soil-borne pathogens.

2. Pathogen Responsible

   Which fungus is most frequently associated with causing die back in mango trees?

   1. Lasiodiplodia theobromae
   2. Alternaria alternata
   3. Fusarium oxysporum
   4. Phytophthora infestans

   Explanation: Lasiodiplodia theobromae is the primary pathogen behind mango die back. Phytophthora infestans affects potatoes and tomatoes, Fusarium oxysporum causes wilt in many crops, and Alternaria alternata is usually linked to leaf spots, not die back in mango.

3. Best Cultural Management

   What is the most effective cultural practice to minimize the risk of die back in mango orchards?

   1. Frequent use of chemical fertilizers
   2. Pruning and destroying infected branches
   3. Intercropping with wheat
   4. Excessive irrigation in monsoon

   Explanation: Prompt pruning and destruction of diseased branches reduce inoculum and help limit the spread. Over-irrigation promotes fungal growth, chemical fertilizers do not directly control die back, and intercropping with wheat neither prevents nor manages mango die back.

4. Chemical Control Strategy

   Which chemical treatment is recommended for managing die back infections in mango trees?

   1. Systemic insecticide trunk injection
   2. Bordeaux paste application on cut surfaces
   3. Herbicidal spray on foliage
   4. Copper sulfate soil drenching

   Explanation: Applying Bordeaux paste on pruned or cut surfaces helps control the fungal pathogen at injury sites. Herbicides are not meant for disease management, insecticides target pests rather than pathogens, and soil drenching with copper sulfate is not as effective for die back.

5. Critical Environmental Factor

   Which environmental condition most favors the development of die back disease in mango trees?

   1. High humidity after monsoons
   2. Prolonged drought
   3. Low soil salinity
   4. Strong alkaline soils

   Explanation: High humidity, especially post-monsoon, provides ideal conditions for spore germination and fungal spread leading to die back. Drought may stress trees but does not specifically promote die back, low soil salinity is generally beneficial, and soil alkalinity is not a major factor for this disease.