Question

Given below are two statements :
Statement (I) : Transboundary pathogen triggered plant disease epidemics is responsible for famine in Europe in 19th century.
Statement (II) : Invasive pathogens are highly aggressive.
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:

Classic historical examples of invasive, transboundary plant pathogens causing severe epidemics include:
- *Phytophthora infestans* (Late blight of potato) $\rightarrow$ Irish Potato Famine (1840s).
- *Cryphonectria parasitica* (Chestnut blight) $\rightarrow$ Decimated American chestnut forests (early 1900s).
- *Hemileia vastatrix* (Coffee rust) $\rightarrow$ Devastated coffee plantations in Sri Lanka (1860s).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Transboundary plant diseases are highly contagious epidemic diseases that spread across national borders, threatening global food security.
Invasive pathogens introduced into new regions often cause severe, widespread damage because the native host plants lack co-evolved resistance to them.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze both statements individually:
Statement (I): "Transboundary pathogen triggered plant disease epidemics is responsible for famine in Europe in 19th century."
This statement is correct.
In the 1840s, the late blight disease of potato, caused by the invasive oomycete pathogen *Phytophthora infestans*, was introduced into Europe from North America.
This transboundary pathogen spread rapidly across the continent, decimating potato crops, which were the primary source of food for the population.
This triggered the devastating Great Irish Famine, which led to the death of over one million people and forced massive migration.
Statement (II): "Invasive pathogens are highly aggressive."
This statement is correct.
When a pathogen is introduced into a new geographical region where it did not evolve, it acts as an invasive species.
The native host plants in the new region have not co-evolved with the pathogen, meaning they lack genetic resistance (natural immunity) to it.
This lack of resistance, combined with favorable environmental conditions and the absence of natural competitors or hyperparasites, allows the invasive pathogen to be highly aggressive, causing rapid infection and severe epidemics.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are correct.
This corresponds to Option (A).