Question

Given below are two statements
Statement I: Crop rotation is the most effective mean for control of Heterodera avenae
Statement II: Crop rotation is not an effective mean for control of Heterodera avenae
In light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below

• A. Both Statement I and Statement II are true
• B. Both Statement I and Statement II are false
• C. Statement I is true but Statement II is false
• D. Statement I is false but Statement II is true

Hint:

Crop rotation with non-hosts (such as mustard or pulses) is highly effective against Heterodera avenae because the nematode has a narrow host range restricted to graminaceous crops.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The cereal cyst nematode, Heterodera avenae, is a destructive parasite of wheat, barley, and oat crops.
Managing this pest requires methods to reduce the soil population of viable encysted eggs.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate the effectiveness of crop rotation against Heterodera avenae:
1. Host Range: Heterodera avenae has a narrow host range restricted primarily to plants in the family Poaceae (graminaceous crops).
It cannot reproduce on dicotyledonous crops.
2. Effectiveness of Rotation: Because the host range is narrow, rotating susceptible cereals with non-host crops (such as mustard, pulses, fenugreek, or oilseeds) is highly effective.
In the absence of a host, the encysted eggs hatch and the juveniles starve, significantly reducing the soil population within 1 to 2 years.
This makes crop rotation a key management strategy for this pest.
Therefore, Statement I is correct, and Statement II is incorrect.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Statement I is true but Statement II is false.