Root Rot Remedies Quiz Quiz

Explore key facts about identifying and managing root rot in wheat and discover ways to protect crops from this common plant disease. Ideal for learners seeking to enhance their knowledge of wheat disease prevention and treatments.

1. Symptoms of Root Rot

   What is a common early symptom of root rot in wheat crops visible during the seedling stage?

   1. Powdery mildew on leaves
   2. Yellow stripe rust lesions
   3. Leaf tip burn
   4. Damping-off and brown discoloration of roots

   Explanation: Damping-off and brown discoloration of roots are typical early signs of root rot, indicating damage to the root system. Powdery mildew causes white fungal growth on leaves, not roots. Yellow stripe rust causes yellow linear lesions on leaves. Leaf tip burn is more associated with nutrient deficiency or chemical damage than root rot.

2. Root Rot Pathogens

   Which group of pathogens is primarily responsible for causing root rot diseases in wheat?

   1. Aphids
   2. Viruses like Barley yellow dwarf virus
   3. Bacteria such as Agrobacterium
   4. Fungi such as Fusarium and Rhizoctonia

   Explanation: Fungal pathogens like Fusarium and Rhizoctonia are major causes of root rot in wheat. Aphids are insect pests, not pathogens. Bacteria can cause other diseases but are not the primary root rot agents in wheat. Viruses also cause distinct diseases but do not cause root rot.

3. Favorable Conditions for Root Rot

   Which environmental condition most favors the development of root rot in wheat fields?

   1. Cool, dry weather
   2. Frequent freeze-thaw cycles
   3. Sandy soils with low moisture
   4. Poorly drained, waterlogged soils

   Explanation: Root rot thrives in poorly drained, waterlogged soils where pathogens proliferate. Sandy, dry soils do not favor root rot as moisture is limited. Cool, dry weather hinders fungal growth. Freeze-thaw cycles can damage plants but don't specifically favor root rot pathogens.

4. Resistant Varieties

   How can farmers reduce the risk of root rot in wheat through plant selection?

   1. Preferring wheat with yellow grains
   2. Choosing late-maturing varieties
   3. Planting resistant wheat varieties
   4. Using genetically uniform varieties

   Explanation: Planting resistant varieties helps break the disease cycle by reducing susceptibility. Genetically uniform varieties can increase risk by lowering genetic resistance diversity. Maturity timing and grain color have no direct impact on root rot resistance.

5. Cultural Practices for Control

   Which cultural practice helps prevent root rot outbreaks in wheat production?

   1. Applying nitrogen fertilizer excessively
   2. Planting wheat continuously without rotation
   3. Rotating wheat with non-host crops such as legumes
   4. Increasing planting density significantly

   Explanation: Rotation with non-host crops disrupts the pathogen's life cycle and lowers root rot risk. Excess nitrogen and increased planting density can increase stress and disease susceptibility. Continuous wheat planting encourages pathogen buildup and disease outbreaks.