Question

Given below are two statements:
Statement I: Tobacco mosaic viruses are transmitted by aphids.
Statement II: Diuraphis noxia aphid is major pest of apple.
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:

Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV) is unique because it is one of the few plant viruses that spreads exclusively by mechanical contact and does not rely on insect vectors like aphids or whiteflies.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Understanding insect vectors and crop-pest associations is essential for analyzing plant disease transmission dynamics.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Statement I: Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV) is highly infectious but is not transmitted by aphids or any insect vectors in agricultural environments.
Instead, it is spread purely mechanically through contaminated hands, tools, soil, and direct leaf-to-leaf contact.
Thus, Statement I is incorrect.
Statement II: Diuraphis noxia (commonly known as the Russian wheat aphid) is a major pest of cereal crops, particularly wheat and barley.
The major aphid pests of apple are the woolly apple aphid (Eriosoma lanigerum) and the green apple aphid (Aphis pomi).
Thus, Statement II is incorrect.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Since both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect, the correct option is (B).