Question

Given below are two statements:
Statement (I): PMA Millardet discovered chemical method of plant disease managment
Statement (II): Millardet was a student of Anton de Bary
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

• 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:

Bordeaux mixture (copper sulfate + lime) was discovered by PMA Millardet in 1882 to control downy mildew of grapes, establishing chemical disease control.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Reviewing the history of plant pathology helps contextualize the development of modern chemical control methods, such as fungicides.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze the two statements:
- Statement (I) is correct: Pierre-Marie-Alexis Millardet was a French botanist who discovered the first highly effective chemical fungicide, the Bordeaux mixture, in 1882.
Downy mildew of grapevine, caused by Plasmopara viticola, had been accidentally introduced to France from North America and was devastating vineyards.
Millardet noticed that vines along the roadside sprayed with a mixture of copper sulfate and hydrated lime (originally applied to deter passersby from eating the grapes) remained healthy and free of mildew.
This discovery marked the beginning of modern chemical plant disease management.
- Statement (II) is correct: Millardet was a student of the famous German mycologist Heinrich Anton de Bary, who is considered the Father of Plant Pathology.
Millardet studied mycology and botany under de Bary, which provided him with the scientific training needed to conduct his research on grape pathogens.
Therefore, both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are correct.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Hence, the correct option is (A).