Explore essential strategies and facts about protecting cumin crops from common fungal diseases. Enhance your understanding of effective disease management techniques in cumin agriculture.
Which symptom most commonly indicates Fusarium wilt infection in cumin plants in the early stages?
Explanation: Yellowing and drooping of lower leaves is a classic early symptom of Fusarium wilt in cumin. Purple spots on seeds are associated more with seed-borne diseases, while curled leaf margins alone are not a typical indication of wilt. Stunted flower spikes usually occur with more advanced or different issues.
What agricultural practice can most effectively reduce soil-borne fungal pathogens affecting cumin?
Explanation: Crop rotation with non-host plants disrupts the life cycle of soil-borne fungi, reducing their populations. Frequent overhead irrigation can raise humidity and disease risk, dense planting aids pathogen spread, and fresh manure may harbor pathogens if not composted.
Why is treating cumin seeds with suitable fungicides before sowing recommended?
Explanation: Fungicidal seed treatment targets fungi present on or within seeds, preventing early infection. It does not alter temperature requirements, has minimal effect on nutrient absorption by leaves, and is not intended for insect pest control.
How does excessive irrigation affect the incidence of root rot in cumin fields?
Explanation: Overwatering creates favorable conditions for root rot fungi by raising soil moisture, which pathogens exploit. Excessive irrigation cannot prevent diseases and doesn't make plants drought-resistant. Claiming it has no effect ignores scientific evidence.
Selecting disease-resistant cumin cultivars primarily helps in managing which problem?
Explanation: Using resistant cultivars reduces susceptibility to major fungal diseases, lowering repeated outbreaks. They do not directly address nutrient issues, insect pressure, or competition from weeds.