Question

Given below are two statements:
Statement (I): Anthracnose disease affects both in field and post-harvest.
Statement (II): Anthracnose disease affects only in the field.

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

Hint:

Latent infection is the "secret weapon" of Anthracnose. A fruit may look perfectly healthy when picked, but "break out" with spots two days later in the basket.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The timing and location of disease expression are critical for developing management strategies.
Anthracnose (Colletotrichum spp.) is notorious for its ability to cause "latent infections."
Detailed Explanation:
Analysis of Statement (I):
Anthracnose is both a field disease and a major post-harvest problem.
In the field, it attacks young leaves, twigs, and flowers, causing blights and diebacks.
However, the fungus can also infect young fruits while they are still on the tree. In these cases, the fungus remains dormant (latent) until the fruit begins to ripen after harvest.
As the fruit ripens and the sugar content changes, the fungus becomes active, causing the characteristic black, sunken spots.
Therefore, Statement (I) is correct.
Analysis of Statement (II):
Because the disease causes significant losses during storage and transport (post-harvest), stating that it affects "only in the field" is scientifically incorrect.
Therefore, Statement (II) is incorrect.

Step 2: Final Answer:
Statement (I) is correct and Statement (II) is incorrect.