Foot Rot Disease

11-05-2024

Foot Rot Disease

   Why in the news?                          

Recently, Punjab Agricultural University has come up with biocontrol agent Trichoderma asperellum to combat ‘foot rot’ disease, prevalent in Basmati rice varieties.

About Foot Rot Disease: 

• It is a fungal disease that affects Basmati rice crops particularly at the seedling stage. It might also cause infection after transplantation in case infected seedlings are transplanted.
• It is caused by the fungus Fusarium verticillioides, a soil-seed borne pathogen which spreads the infection through the root of the plant, and eventually leads to the colonization of the stem base,
• Infected seedlings first turn pale yellow, then elongate and dry up, and eventually (usually) die.
• Currently, seedlings are treated with Trichoderma harzianum before sowing and transplantation. Seeds are also treated with fungicides such as Sprint 75 WS (carbendazim + mancozeb) before sowing. But these are the chemical treatments which are harmful for the soil, and can be toxic for consumers of the rice.
• The fungicide carbendazim is already banned in Punjab because it leaves behind high residues.

What is Trichoderma asperellum?

It is a biocontrol agent that offers a non-chemical alternative to traditional pesticides, aiding in disease management while minimizing environmental harm.

                                                      Source: Indian Express

Consider the following statements: 

Statement-I

Foot rot disease is caused by a soil-seed borne fungus.

Statement-II

 Foot rot disease primarily affects arecanut plants particularly at the seedling stage.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

A.Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I.

B.Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I.

C.Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect.

D.Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct.

Answer C