Question

Powder mildew disease is caused by ______

• A. Bacteria
• B. Fungus
• C. Virus
• D. Nematodes

Hint:

Remember: "Powdery" growth on plants = Fungal disease. Bacteria cause spots with water-soaked appearance, viruses cause mosaic patterns, and nematodes affect roots.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understand what Powdery Mildew is.
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease that affects a wide range of plants. It appears as white or gray powdery spots on leaves, stems, flowers, and fruits.
Step 2: Identify the causal organism.

• Powdery mildew is caused by ascomycete fungi belonging to the order Erysiphales.
• Common genera include {Erysiphe}, {Podosphaera}, {Oidium}, {Uncinula}, etc.

Step 3: Analysis of each option.

• (A) Bacteria: Incorrect. Bacterial diseases show different symptoms like wilting, spots with yellow halos, or oozing. They do not cause powdery growth.
• (B) Fungus: Correct.} Powdery mildew is specifically a fungal disease.
• (C) Virus: Incorrect. Viral diseases cause symptoms like mosaic patterns, leaf curling, stunting, or yellowing, not powdery growth.
• (D) Nematodes: Incorrect. Nematodes are microscopic roundworms that affect roots, causing galls or root knots, not powdery growth on leaves.

Step 4: Conclusion.
Powdery mildew is a well-known fungal disease characterized by white powdery growth on plant surfaces. It is caused by various species of fungi. Final Answer:} (B) Fungus