Question

Write two major diseases of pulses.

Hint:

Remember: Wilt (Fusarium) and Powdery Mildew are two major diseases affecting pulse crops. Wilt causes vascular blockage leading to plant death, while powdery mildew appears as white powdery growth on leaves and stems.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the Question
The question asks to name two of the most significant and common diseases that affect pulse crops (like gram, pea, lentil, pigeonpea).
Step 2: Detailed Explanation
Here are two major diseases of pulse crops:

Wilt:
Causative Agent: It is a soil-borne fungal disease, most commonly caused by species of Fusarium (e.g., Fusarium oxysporum in chickpea).

Symptoms: The fungus infects the roots and blocks the plant's water-conducting tissues (xylem). This leads to the characteristic symptoms of yellowing of leaves, drooping, and eventually the sudden wilting and death of the entire plant. It is a major problem in chickpea and pigeonpea.


Yellow Mosaic Virus (YMV):
Causative Agent: It is a viral disease, caused by the Mungbean Yellow Mosaic Virus.

Symptoms: The disease appears as scattered, bright yellow patches on the leaves. These patches expand, and eventually, the entire leaf may turn yellow. The affected plants are stunted and produce fewer flowers and pods. The virus is transmitted by an insect vector, the whitefly. It is a major disease in mungbean and urdbean.


Step 3: Final Answer
Two major diseases of pulses are Wilt (caused by Fusarium fungus) and Yellow Mosaic Virus (transmitted by whiteflies).