Diseases of crops - SS2 Agriculture Past Questions and Answers - page 2

Common practices to manage diseases in major crops include selecting disease-resistant crop varieties, practicing crop rotation, maintaining plant hygiene (removing infected plant material), using fungicides or treatments when needed, and implementing proper pest control measures.

Rosette disease in peanuts can significantly reduce pod formation, leading to decreased yields. It is primarily transmitted by aphids. To control rosette disease, farmers can implement measures such as controlling aphid vectors through insecticides or natural predators and planting peanut varieties that are resistant to the disease.

The key symptoms of cercosporal leaf spot in legumes include the development of small, circular, dark spots on the leaves. These spots may enlarge and merge, leading to reduced photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Early detection and monitoring are crucial in managing crop diseases because they allow for timely intervention. By identifying diseases at an early stage, farmers can implement control measures before the disease spreads extensively, minimizing crop damage and loss. This proactive approach helps maintain crop health and improve overall yields.

Smut disease affects cereal crops by forming black, powdery spore masses on the plant, which reduces grain yield and quality. To mitigate its impact, farmers can take measures such as using fungicides to control the disease, selecting smut-resistant crop varieties, and practicing crop rotation to reduce the pathogen's presence in the soil. Proper sanitation, such as removing infected plant material, can also help prevent the spread of smut.