Question

Given below are two statements :
Statement (I) : Transboundary pathogen triggered plant disease epidemics is responsible for famine in Europe in 19th century.
Statement (II) : Invasive pathogens are highly aggressive.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below.

• A. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are correct.
• B. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are incorrect.
• C. Statement (I) is correct but Statement (II) is incorrect.
• D. Statement (I) is incorrect but Statement (II) is correct.

Hint:

Classic historical examples of invasive, transboundary plant pathogens causing severe epidemics include:
- *Phytophthora infestans* (Late blight of potato) $\rightarrow$ Irish Potato Famine (1840s).
- *Cryphonectria parasitica* (Chestnut blight) $\rightarrow$ Decimated American chestnut forests (early 1900s).
- *Hemileia vastatrix* (Coffee rust) $\rightarrow$ Devastated coffee plantations in Sri Lanka (1860s).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A