Question

Which of the following plant diseases is/are caused by nematode?

• A. ( Cereal cyst of barley )
• B. ( Ergot of rye )
• C. ( Wart of potato )
• D. ( Ear-cockle of wheat )

Hint:

When diagnosing plant health issues, it is vital to correctly identify the pathogen involved to apply the appropriate treatment and management strategies, particularly in distinguishing between fungal and nematode infections.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Nematodes are microscopic worms that cause various types of plant diseases. Identifying diseases caused by nematodes helps in understanding their economic impact on agriculture and managing crop health. Analysis of Options: 
(A) Cereal cyst of barley: Correct. This disease is caused by the nematode {Heterodera avenae}. It forms cysts on the roots of barley plants, which disrupt nutrient uptake and can significantly reduce crop yields. 
(B) Ergot of rye: Incorrect. Ergot of rye is caused by the fungus {Claviceps purpurea}, not by nematodes. It affects the grains of rye and other cereals, producing toxic alkaloids. 
(C) Wart of potato: Incorrect. Potato wart disease is caused by the fungus-like organism {Synchytrium endobioticum}, which is not a nematode. 
(D) Ear-cockle of wheat: Correct. This disease is caused by the nematode {Anguina tritici}. It leads to the formation of galls on wheat ears, which can damage the grain and decrease crop quality. Conclusion:
Explanation: Understanding the causal agents of plant diseases is crucial for effective pest management and crop protection. Both cereal cyst of barley and ear-cockle of wheat are clear examples of nematode-induced diseases, affecting the health and productivity of these cereal crops.