Which of the following diseases of crops is not caused by a fungus?
Answer Details
The disease that is not caused by a fungus is streak of maize.
Streak of maize is a viral disease that affects maize plants. It is caused by a virus called Maize streak virus (MSV), which is transmitted by leafhoppers. The virus infects the plant and causes streaks or streak-like symptoms on the leaves, stems, and sometimes the cobs of the maize plant.
The other diseases listed are all caused by fungi:
- Panama disease of banana is caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense.
- Smut of rice is caused by the fungus Ustilago virens.
- Mould of stored grain is caused by various species of fungi, such as Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Fusarium.
- Black pod disease of cocoa is caused by various species of fungi, such as Phytophthora and Moniliophthora.
Fungal diseases of crops are common and can cause significant damage to crop yields. It is important to identify the cause of the disease accurately in order to develop effective control measures.