Question

Match List I with List II to identify the correct plant disease and its causal Phytophthora species:

List I (Disease)
A. Red Stele
B. Black Pod
C. Black Shank
D. Sudden Death
E. Late Blight

List II (Pathogen)
I. Phytophthora infestans
II. Phytophthora fragariae
III. Phytophthora palmivora
IV. Phytophthora parasitica
V. Phytophthora ramorum

• A. A-II, B-III, C-V, D-IV, E-I
• B. A-III, B-II, C-V, D-IV, E-I
• C. A-III, B-II, C-IV, D-V, E-I
• D. A-II, B-III, C-IV, D-V, E-I

Hint:

Always associate specific host plants with Phytophthora species names to make matching easier:
- fragariae = Fragaria (Strawberry)
- palmivora = Palms/Cocoa
- ramorum = Oaks (Sudden Oak Death)
- infestans = Solanaceous crops (Late Blight)

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The genus Phytophthora belongs to the class Oomycetes (water molds) and contains some of the most destructive plant pathogens in agricultural and forest ecosystems worldwide.
Detailed Explanation:
The diseases caused by each of the given species are:
A. Red Stele (II. Phytophthora fragariae):
Red stele, also known as red core, is a devastating root disease of strawberries.
It is caused by Phytophthora fragariae var. fragariae, which infects strawberry roots, causing the central core (stele) to turn red.
B. Black Pod (III. Phytophthora palmivora):
Black pod is a highly destructive disease of cocoa (Theobroma cacao) pods, leading to rotting and loss of bean quality.
It is primarily incited by Phytophthora palmivora.
C. Black Shank (IV. Phytophthora parasitica):
Black shank is a major disease of tobacco crops that causes root rot and blackening of the lower stem (shank).
The causal pathogen is Phytophthora parasitica (also classified as Phytophthora nicotianae).
D. Sudden Death Sudden Oak Death (V. Phytophthora ramorum):
Sudden Oak Death is a rapid-onset tree disease that affects oaks and other woody species, causing bleeding cankers and canopy dieback.
It is caused by the invasive oomycete Phytophthora ramorum.
E. Late Blight (I. Phytophthora infestans):
Late blight of potato and tomato is the historic disease responsible for the Irish Potato Famine of the 1840s.
It is caused by Phytophthora infestans.

Step 2: Final Answer:
By aligning the list items: A-II, B-III, C-IV, D-V, E-I.
This sequence aligns with option (D).