Which practice reduces leaf blight by altering the cultural environment?

Which practice reduces leaf blight by altering the cultural environment?

• A. Avoiding overhead irrigation to reduce leaf blight
• B. Introducing predatory insects
• C. Spraying pesticides
• D. Planting resistant varieties

Answer: (A)

Modifying the cultural environment to reduce disease pressure is being tested here. Leaf blight pathogens need wet foliage and higher humidity to infect and spread. Overhead irrigation keeps leaves wet and increases canopy humidity, creating ideal conditions for the fungus. Avoiding overhead irrigation and using soil-level watering, like drip irrigation, keeps leaves drier and reduces the duration of leaf wetness, making infection less likely. This is a cultural practice that changes the growing environment to prevent disease, rather than directly targeting the pathogen with chemicals, predators, or host resistance.

Modifying the cultural environment to reduce disease pressure is being tested here. Leaf blight pathogens need wet foliage and higher humidity to infect and spread. Overhead irrigation keeps leaves wet and increases canopy humidity, creating ideal conditions for the fungus. Avoiding overhead irrigation and using soil-level watering, like drip irrigation, keeps leaves drier and reduces the duration of leaf wetness, making infection less likely. This is a cultural practice that changes the growing environment to prevent disease, rather than directly targeting the pathogen with chemicals, predators, or host resistance.