Wheat Fungus Fighter Quiz Quiz

Explore key strategies and facts about managing fungal diseases in wheat cultivation with these intermediate-level questions. Perfect for farmers and students interested in sustainable crop health.

1. Identifying Wheat Rust

   A farmer notices orange-red pustules on the leaves of their wheat crop in early spring. Which disease is most likely responsible for these symptoms?

   1. Powdery Mildew
   2. Loose Smut
   3. Ergot
   4. Leaf Rust

   Explanation: Leaf Rust, caused by the fungus Puccinia triticina, creates orange-red pustules on wheat leaves. Powdery Mildew appears as white powdery spots, Loose Smut causes dark spore-filled wheat heads, and Ergot forms dark, hard masses in place of kernels.

2. Importance of Crop Rotation

   Which management practice helps prevent soil-borne fungal diseases like take-all in wheat fields?

   1. Crop Rotation
   2. Delayed Harvesting
   3. Overhead Irrigation
   4. Foliar Fertilizer

   Explanation: Crop rotation disrupts the life cycle of soil-borne fungi by removing their preferred hosts and reducing inoculum build-up. Foliar fertilizer adds nutrients but does not address pathogens; overhead irrigation can increase disease risk; delayed harvesting does not prevent soil-borne diseases.

3. Chemical Control of Fungal Diseases

   When should fungicides generally be applied to effectively control most wheat fungal diseases?

   1. Immediately after planting
   2. In late winter, before plant emergence
   3. At the first sign of disease symptoms
   4. During harvest

   Explanation: Applying fungicides at the first appearance of symptoms maximizes effectiveness and limits disease spread. Applying after planting or before emergence is premature, and spraying during harvest is too late to protect yields.

4. Role of Resistant Varieties

   Why are resistant wheat varieties considered a key component in managing Fusarium head blight (scab)?

   1. They limit fungal infection and reduce mycotoxin contamination
   2. They yield larger grains regardless of disease pressure
   3. They are immune to insect pests
   4. They require no irrigation

   Explanation: Resistant varieties help limit infection and lower dangerous mycotoxin levels. While they may contribute to stable yields, yield alone is not guaranteed. Disease resistance is not related to irrigation needs or complete insect immunity.

5. Recognizing Powdery Mildew Symptoms

   What is the typical appearance of powdery mildew on wheat leaves during early infection?

   1. Yellow rings with a red border
   2. Blue-green fuzzy growth at the leaf base
   3. Black, hard masses inside kernels
   4. White, powdery patches on leaf surfaces

   Explanation: Powdery mildew is characterized by white, powdery fungal growth on leaves. Black, hard masses indicate ergot; yellow rings suggest viral issues; blue-green fuzz is not associated with powdery mildew.