Mustard Maladies Mastery Quiz

Explore critical fungal diseases affecting mustard crops with this in-depth quiz. Learn key identification features, management strategies, and differentiate similar disease symptoms for optimal field performance.

1. Identification of White Rust

   A mustard farmer notices white, blister-like pustules on the underside of leaves. Which fungal disease is most likely responsible?

   1. Powdery Mildew
   2. White Rust
   3. Alternaria Blight
   4. Downy Mildew

   Explanation: White Rust is known for producing white, blister-like pustules mainly on the underside of leaves, making it easily distinguishable. Alternaria Blight shows dark spots rather than blisters, Downy Mildew presents fluffy growth instead of blisters, and Powdery Mildew appears as a powdery layer, not blisters.

2. Alternaria Blight Symptoms

   Dark concentric rings, often called 'target spots', appear on mustard leaves late in the season. Which disease do these symptoms indicate?

   1. White Mold
   2. White Rust
   3. Stem Rot
   4. Alternaria Blight

   Explanation: Alternaria Blight causes distinct target-like spots due to concentric rings, a classic sign of its infection. Stem Rot and White Mold typically affect stems or cause cottony growth, while White Rust causes white pustules, not concentric spots.

3. Role of Environment in Disease Spread

   During prolonged wet and foggy weather, which mustard fungal disease tends to spread more rapidly across large fields?

   1. Downy Mildew
   2. Powdery Mildew
   3. Rust
   4. Leaf Spot

   Explanation: Downy Mildew flourishes in extended wet, cool, and humid conditions, leading to outbreaks after fog or heavy dew. Powdery Mildew usually prefers drier conditions, Leaf Spot is less specific, and Rust favors warmth but not excessive wetness.

4. Distinguishing Stem Rot

   If a mustard plant suddenly wilts and its lower stem appears covered with white cottony fungal growth, which disease is the most likely cause?

   1. Sooty Mold
   2. Powdery Mildew
   3. Stem Rot
   4. Alternaria Blight

   Explanation: Stem Rot is characterized by white, cottony fungal growth at the base of stems, leading to plant wilting. Powdery Mildew affects leaves, Sooty Mold deposits black fungal growth, and Alternaria Blight's symptoms are mainly leaf spots.

5. Management Practices for Mustard Fungal Diseases

   Which is the most effective cultural practice to manage fungal diseases like Alternaria Blight in mustard cultivation?

   1. Crop rotation
   2. Overhead irrigation
   3. Delayed harvesting
   4. Dense planting

   Explanation: Crop rotation breaks the pathogen life cycle by reducing host availability, making it an effective management practice. Overhead irrigation and dense planting increase moisture and disease risk, while delayed harvesting allows more time for disease buildup.