Question

Given below are two statements:
Statement (I) : Karnal bunt is the fungal disease of wheat first reported from Karnal, Haryana.
Statement (II) : Karnal bunt can be controlled by adoption of resistant/tolerant varieties and seed treatment with vitavax.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate 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:

Karnal bunt is often referred to as the "cancer of wheat" due to its devastating impact on quality and international trade.
Remember that it was first identified by Mitra in 1931 in Karnal, Haryana, which makes the disease name easy to associate with its place of origin.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Karnal bunt, also known as partial bunt, is a significant fungal disease affecting wheat, durum wheat, and triticale.
The disease is of quarantine importance globally as it adversely affects grain quality by imparting a fishy odor due to the production of trimethylamine.
Integrated disease management practices, including host plant resistance and chemical treatments, are employed to control this disease.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Statement (I) describes the origin and nature of Karnal bunt.
The disease is caused by the facultative saprophytic fungus Tilletia indica (syn. Neovossia indica).
It was first discovered and reported by Mitra in 1931 from the wheat fields of Karnal, Haryana, India.
Thus, Statement (I) is historically and pathologically true.
Statement (II) addresses the control and management of Karnal bunt.
An effective management strategy relies on an integrated approach.
The primary step is the cultivation of resistant or tolerant wheat varieties (such as HD 29, HD 30, or other locally recommended cultivars).
In addition, seed treatment with systemic fungicides like Vitavax (Carboxin) at 2 to 2.5 g/kg of seed is highly effective in eliminating seed-borne teliospores.
Applying a foliar spray of propiconazole (Tilt 25 EC) at the heading stage further controls airborne sporidia.
Thus, Statement (II) is also true.
Consequently, both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are true.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct option is (A).