Question

Read the following statements and select the correct option. Statement-I: Biocontrol refers to the use of biological methods for controlling plant diseases and pests. Statement-II: Trichoderma species are effective biocontrol agents for several plant pathogens.

• A. Statement-I is incorrect but statement-II is correct
• B. Both statement-I and statement-II are correct
• C. Statement-I and statement-II is incorrect
• D. Both statement-I and statement-II are incorrect

Hint:

Trichoderma species are widely used in agriculture for their ability to combat plant pathogens naturally.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

• Definition of Biocontrol: Biocontrol involves using natural enemies or biological agents to manage plant diseases and pests, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides.
• Statement-I Analysis: Biocontrol indeed refers to the use of biological methods (e.g., fungi, bacteria, or predators) to control plant diseases and pests. Statement-I is correct.
• Statement-II Analysis: Trichoderma species, such as Trichoderma harzianum, are well-documented biocontrol agents that parasitize plant pathogens like Fusarium and Rhizoctonia, enhancing plant health. Statement-II is correct.
• Option Analysis:
  • (1) Statement-I is incorrect but statement-II is correct: This is incorrect as Statement-I is true.
  • (2) Both statement-I and statement-II are correct: Both statements align with scientific understanding of biocontrol. This is correct.
  • (3) Statement-I and statement-II are incorrect: Both statements are valid, so this is incorrect.
  • (4) Both statement-I and statement-II are incorrect: Both are factually accurate, so this is incorrect.
• Conclusion: The correct answer is (2) Both statement-I and statement-II are correct, as both reflect established principles in biocontrol.