UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 51
Consider the following:
- Birds
- Dust blowing
- Rain
- Wind blowing
Which of the above spread plant diseases?
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: D
Correct Option: D
Explanation: Plant pathogens can be spread mechanically or biologically by birds and by wind-borne soil/dust, rain splash and wind-blown spores. All four listed mechanisms can spread plant disease.
Statement/Pair-wise Analysis:
Statement/Item 1: Correct - Birds can transport seeds, insects or contaminated material carrying pathogens.
Statement/Item 2: Correct - Blown dust can carry infectious soil particles or spores.
Statement/Item 3: Correct - Raindrop splash and runoff disperse many fungal and bacterial pathogens.
Statement/Item 4: Correct - Wind carries spores and other disease agents between plants and fields.
Option-wise Analysis:
A: Incorrect - omits correct statement/items 2, 4.
B: Incorrect - omits correct statement/items 1, 2.
C: Incorrect - omits correct statement/item 3.
D: Correct - includes all and only the true statements/items.