Biology
Microbes and Plant Diseases
1,145 Questions
Microbes and plant diseases examine the role of fungi, bacteria, and viruses in causing infections in plants and humans. Topics cover symbiotic associations like mycorrhiza, fungal structures, and specific agricultural pathogens. Practice these biology questions to master microbiology concepts for upcoming competitive examinations.
Fungal associationsPlant pathogensMicrobial structuresBacterial infections
Microbes and Plant Diseases Questions
What is the term used to describe the degree of severity of a plant disease?
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Pathogenicity
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Virulence
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Resistance
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Disease severity
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Disease incidence
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Disease severity refers to the degree of damage or loss caused by a plant disease, including the extent of tissue damage, yield reduction, or economic impact.
What is the main disease that affects cotton crops in the Western Zone?
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Fusarium wilt
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Verticillium wilt
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Alternaria leaf spot
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Bacterial blight
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Fusarium wilt is the main disease that affects cotton crops in the Western Zone, causing wilting and yellowing of leaves, leading to reduced yields.
What is the causal agent of late blight disease in potatoes?
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Phytophthora infestans
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Alternaria solani
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Fusarium oxysporum
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Rhizoctonia solani
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Late blight disease in potatoes is caused by the oomycete Phytophthora infestans, which affects the leaves, stems, and tubers of the plant.
Which of the following is a fungal disease that affects wheat crops?
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Rust
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Smut
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Powdery mildew
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Leaf spot
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Rust is a common fungal disease that affects wheat crops, causing yellow or brown spots on the leaves and stems of the plant.
What is the vector of citrus tristeza virus, a disease that affects citrus trees?
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Aphids
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Whiteflies
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Thrips
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Mites
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Citrus tristeza virus is transmitted by aphids, which feed on the sap of citrus trees and spread the virus to healthy plants.
Which of the following is a bacterial disease that affects tomato plants?
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Bacterial wilt
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Bacterial spot
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Canker
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Blossom end rot
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Bacterial wilt is a bacterial disease that affects tomato plants, causing the leaves to wilt and die.
What is the causal agent of powdery mildew, a disease that affects a wide range of plants?
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Erysiphe cichoracearum
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Podosphaera leucotricha
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Sphaerotheca pannosa
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Uncinula necator
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Powdery mildew is caused by a group of fungi belonging to the genus Erysiphe, with Erysiphe cichoracearum being a common species that affects a wide range of plants.
What is the causal agent of downy mildew, a disease that affects grapes?
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Plasmopara viticola
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Peronospora destructor
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Phytophthora infestans
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Pseudoperonospora cubensis
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Downy mildew in grapes is caused by the oomycete Plasmopara viticola, which affects the leaves and fruit of the plant.
Which of the following is a disease that affects sugarcane crops?
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Red rot
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Smut
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Ratoon stunting disease
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Yellow leaf disease
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Red rot is a fungal disease that affects sugarcane crops, causing a reddish-brown discoloration of the stalks and reducing the sugar content.
What is the causal agent of black rot, a disease that affects crucifers?
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Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris
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Erwinia carotovora subsp. carotovora
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Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato
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Alternaria brassicae
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Black rot in crucifers is caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris, which affects the leaves, stems, and pods of the plant.
Which of the following is a disease that affects mango trees?
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Powdery mildew
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Anthracnose
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Bacterial wilt
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Leaf spot
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects mango trees, causing dark spots on the leaves, fruits, and twigs of the tree.
Which disease is known to cause wilting and yellowing of tomato plants, leading to reduced fruit production?
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Bacterial wilt
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Fusarium wilt
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Verticillium wilt
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Powdery mildew
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Fusarium wilt is a fungal disease that affects tomato plants, causing wilting and yellowing of leaves, eventually leading to reduced fruit production. It is a common and destructive disease in tomato cultivation.
Which of the following is a characteristic feature of fungal cell walls?
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Cellulose
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Chitin
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Peptidoglycan
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Lignin
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Chitin is a unique polysaccharide found in the cell walls of fungi, providing structural support and protection.
Which fungal structure is responsible for producing spores?
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Hyphae
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Mycelium
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Spores
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Basidia
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Basidia are specialized structures in certain fungi where spore production takes place.
What is the term for the vegetative part of a fungus?
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Hyphae
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Mycelium
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Spores
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Conidia
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Mycelium is the vegetative part of a fungus, consisting of a network of hyphae.