Safeguarding Bananas Quiz Quiz

Explore effective methods and important concepts for protecting banana plants in horticulture. Learn about common threats, safe management strategies, and best practices in banana crop care.

1. Recognizing Banana Wilt

   A farmer notices yellowing and wilting leaves on many banana plants in a humid region. Which disease is most likely responsible for this symptom?

   1. Panama disease
   2. Powdery mildew
   3. Black rot
   4. Leaf curl virus

   Explanation: Panama disease is a major fungal disease that causes wilting and yellowing of banana leaves, especially under humid conditions. Powdery mildew and black rot are not common in bananas and present with different symptoms. Leaf curl virus affects bananas but mainly causes curling rather than widespread wilting.

2. Importance of Quarantine

   Why is quarantining new banana plant material important before introducing it to an established plantation?

   1. To prevent the spread of hidden pests or diseases
   2. To accelerate fruit ripening
   3. To improve soil texture
   4. To reduce water usage

   Explanation: Quarantining helps ensure that new plants do not bring in pests or diseases that could harm the existing crop. Accelerating ripening and improving soil texture are unrelated to quarantine, and reducing water usage is not the purpose of isolating new plant material.

3. Managing Nematode Infestation

   A horticulturist finds stunted banana growth and root lesions in their crop. Which practice helps manage nematode infestation?

   1. Crop rotation
   2. Increasing shade
   3. Extra watering
   4. Using excessive fertilizers

   Explanation: Crop rotation interrupts the life cycle of nematodes, reducing their populations. Extra watering and excessive fertilizer do not address the pest and may worsen plant stress, while more shade does not affect nematode levels.

4. Role of Mulching

   How does mulching help protect banana plants in horticultural settings?

   1. Causes root rot
   2. Prevents sunlight absorption
   3. Attracts harmful insects
   4. Reduces weed growth and conserves soil moisture

   Explanation: Mulching suppresses weeds and maintains soil moisture, creating favorable growing conditions. It does not directly cause root rot or attract pests if properly managed, and it does not prevent sunflower absorption but rather stabilizes crop conditions.

5. Chemical Control Safety

   When using pesticides to manage banana plant pests, what is one key safety precaution?

   1. Spray during the hottest part of the day
   2. Follow recommended label instructions and wear protective gear
   3. Always apply higher doses for quick results
   4. Mix pesticides with any available household cleaner

   Explanation: Strict adherence to application instructions and protective gear ensures safety and effectiveness. Using higher doses can harm plants and the environment, spraying during hot periods increases evaporation, and mixing with unrelated chemicals is unsafe.