Which of the following cultural practices help in controlling seedling diseases in cotton?

Which of the following cultural practices help in controlling seedling diseases in cotton?

• A. A granular fungicide in combination with crop rotation
• B. The same annual crop planted with residues left on the top of the soil
• C. Crop rotation, turning under crop residues and a well prepared bed
• D. All of the above

Answer: (C)

The practice of crop rotation, turning under crop residues, and preparing a well-drained bed is effective in controlling seedling diseases in cotton for several reasons. Crop rotation disrupts the life cycles of pathogens that may be present in the soil, as many diseases are host-specific. By switching to a different crop that does not harbor the same pathogens, it reduces the population of these harmful organisms. Turning under crop residues further diminishes the potential for disease by burying remaining plant material from previous crops that could serve as a reservoir for pathogens. This decomposition process reduces the likelihood of disease spread, as some pathogens survive on residues in the field. Additionally, preparing a well-drained bed is crucial because seedlings are particularly vulnerable to diseases when conditions are excessively moist. Proper drainage helps to prevent conditions favorable for the development of seedling diseases, contributing to healthier plants. Together, these cultural practices create an environment less conducive to disease, thereby enhancing the overall health and resilience of cotton crops against seedling diseases.

The practice of crop rotation, turning under crop residues, and preparing a well-drained bed is effective in controlling seedling diseases in cotton for several reasons. Crop rotation disrupts the life cycles of pathogens that may be present in the soil, as many diseases are host-specific. By switching to a different crop that does not harbor the same pathogens, it reduces the population of these harmful organisms.

Turning under crop residues further diminishes the potential for disease by burying remaining plant material from previous crops that could serve as a reservoir for pathogens. This decomposition process reduces the likelihood of disease spread, as some pathogens survive on residues in the field.

Additionally, preparing a well-drained bed is crucial because seedlings are particularly vulnerable to diseases when conditions are excessively moist. Proper drainage helps to prevent conditions favorable for the development of seedling diseases, contributing to healthier plants.

Together, these cultural practices create an environment less conducive to disease, thereby enhancing the overall health and resilience of cotton crops against seedling diseases.