Trichoderma Enrichment Quiz Quiz

Explore key concepts of applying Trichoderma in organic farming, including benefits, usage methods, and compatibility with other agricultural practices.

1. Role of Trichoderma in Soil Health

   Which primary benefit does Trichoderma offer when applied to soil in organic farming systems?

   1. Salinity increase in soil
   2. Enhancement of soil microbial balance
   3. Direct nitrogen fixation
   4. Production of chemical pesticides

   Explanation: Trichoderma primarily enhances soil microbial balance by promoting beneficial microorganisms and suppressing plant pathogens. It does not directly fix nitrogen, which is the function of certain bacteria. Trichoderma does not produce chemical pesticides, and it does not raise soil salinity, making those distractors incorrect.

2. Trichoderma Application Methods

   Which method is commonly used for applying Trichoderma to crops in organic agriculture?

   1. Adding to animal feed
   2. Seed treatment
   3. High-pressure spraying with herbicides
   4. Injecting into plant stems

   Explanation: Seed treatment with Trichoderma helps protect young plants from soil-borne diseases and is widely adopted. High-pressure spraying with herbicides is not typical, and Trichoderma is not intended for animal feed or stem injection, so those are not appropriate application methods.

3. Compatibility with Organic Practices

   Why is Trichoderma compatible with organic farming standards?

   1. It is a naturally occurring fungus
   2. It boosts pesticide residues
   3. It is a synthetic chemical
   4. It replaces crop rotation

   Explanation: Trichoderma is compatible because it is a naturally occurring fungus beneficial to plants and soil. It is not synthetic, does not replace crop rotation (a good organic practice), and does not increase harmful residues, so those options are incorrect.

4. Trichoderma's Effect on Plant Disease

   How does Trichoderma help control soil-borne plant diseases in organic farms?

   1. By outcompeting pathogenic fungi
   2. By increasing soil acidity drastically
   3. By hoarding all soil nutrients
   4. By providing high levels of toxic residues

   Explanation: Trichoderma suppresses plant pathogens mainly by outcompeting them and sometimes by producing substances that inhibit their growth. It does not harm crops by nutrient hoarding, drastic acidity change, or creating toxic residues, making those options incorrect.

5. Limitation of Trichoderma Use

   What is a key limitation to consider when using Trichoderma in organic agriculture?

   1. Effectiveness may depend on soil conditions
   2. It always replaces all other pest management practices
   3. It requires genetic modification of crops
   4. It increases heavy metal concentration in crops

   Explanation: Trichoderma's success can vary based on factors like soil type and temperature. It does not eliminate the need for other pest practices, isn't related to genetic modification, and does not raise heavy metal levels, making the other statements incorrect.