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What's Wrong with the Plants?

Name______________

"Plant Pathology"

Test Worksheet**(100 PTS.)

Use a separate piece of paper to answer the following essay questions. Support all your answers with evidence you have acquired in your lab, research, and/or presentations. You will be graded on your critical thinking, application of knowledge, thoroughness, and clarity. You may use any notes that you have accumulated throughout this unit.

The diagram below shows a plant grower’s tomato plant field. The soil type at different locations in the field isidentified. Use the diagram to answer question #1.

1. A farmer is concerned about his tomato crop. Although the field has been cultivated and irrigated uniformly, the designated section of plants are exhibiting disease symptoms. Such symptoms are reduced growth of stems and leaves, excessive wilting, reduced yield, and poor tomato quality. There is an observable difference between the plants in the designated sections. After making these observations, he suspects nematode infection.

1. Why do you think he suspects nematodes? (10 pts.)
2. If you were the grower’s Plant Pest Consultant, what would you do to try to confirm his suspicions? (10 pts.)

C. If it is nematode infection, explain what the nematodes are doing to the plants to cause these symptoms. (10 pts.)

2. Scientists, farmers, and home gardeners all have to deal with plant pests and diseases. Some use chemical methods others prefer biological control. Compare and contrast some advantages and disadvantages of these two means of control. (25 pts.)

3. What would you advise a grower to do for the next year's planting if a section of his field has been infected with the root-knot nematode? Include your rationale (reasons why). (20 pts.)

4. Suppose you were writing a grant for the funding of a research project dealing with an aspect of plant pest/disease control. Explain how you would convince the funding agency the importance and global impact of your research. Support with examples. (25 pts.)

EXTRA CREDIT: (5 PTS.)

Describe the cause and effect of a famine caused by plant disease.

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