Sample interview questions: Discuss your knowledge of plant disease control measures in protected cultivation systems (greenhouses, tunnels, etc.).
Sample answer:
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Cultural Practices:
- Crop Rotation: Implementing a crop rotation plan prevents the buildup of soilborne pathogens and reduces the infection rate.
- Use Clean Stock: Starting with disease-free plants minimizes the risk of introducing pathogens into the protected cultivation system.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Proper spacing allows for adequate air circulation and reduces humidity, which discourages pathogen growth.
- Proper Watering Practices: Avoiding overhead irrigation and promoting dry conditions reduces the spread of waterborne pathogens.
- Pruning: Removing infected plant parts can help control the spread of diseases like powdery mildew, botrytis bunch rot, and bacterial canker.
- Sanitation: Regular cleaning and disinfection of tools, equipment, and growing structures help prevent pathogen transmission.
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Biological Control:
- Use of Beneficial Organisms: Introducing beneficial insects, mites, and microorganisms into the protected cultivation system helps manage pests and pathogens through predation, parasitism, and competition.
- Mycorrhizal Fungi: Mycorrhizal associations with plant roots enhance nutrient uptake, improve stress tolerance, and provide protection against pathogens.
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Chemical Control:
- Fungicides: Properly timed and applied fungicides can effectively control various fungal diseases.
- Bactericides: Limited options available for bacterial diseases, and their use should be guided by sensitivity testing.
- Insecticides/Acaricides: These can help control disease vectors like aphids, thrips, and… Read full answer