Neame Cup Quiz Category - Pests and Diseases (Team Round).
(Click on the answers to see if your right)
Q1. What is 'cuckoo spit' and how would you deal with it?
Answer to Q1
This is caused by the activity of frog-hoppers, which in general do not cause much
harm. The slightly sticky bubbles of cuckoo-spit can be washed off with a hose,
though if the infestation is severe a contact insecticide can be used.
Q2. What are 'fairy rings'? What causes them and how would you deal with them?
Answer to Q2
Fairy rings are caused by a fungus in the soil of a lawn and there is no satisfactory cure
other than digging up the affected area, replacing the soil and re-turfing or re-seeding.
Q3. How would you recognise Swift Moth caterpillars on your crop and how would you deal
with them?
Answer to Q3
These are small white caterpillars in the soils. They wriggle swiftly backwards when
disturbed. There is no effective treatment, but regular hoeing and keeping down weeds
will discourage them.
Q4. Describe Tomato Buck-eye Rot. What causes it and how would you deal with it?
Answer to Q4
This shows as brown concentric rings round a spot on unripe fruit and a wet area beneath these. It is caused by a fungus from the soil being splashed up on to the fruit during watering or rain. Mulch with bark and water carefully
Q5. What is the problem known as 'proliferation'?
Answer to Q5
This is a phenomenon found in roses, pears and apples in which normal-looking buds open to reveal further buds and sometimes stems and leaves at the centre amongst the petals. The cause is unknown but suggestions include hard frosts, virus infection or genetic reasons.
Q6. Describe cut worms. How do they affect plants and how do you deal with them?
Answer to Q6
They are 5mm grey, green or brown caterpillars which live just below the soil surface. Plants can be severed at ground level and leaves may be eaten. Hoe thoroughly and destroy any brought to the surface. There is no chemical control method.
Q7. Give two causes of balling in roses
Answer to Q7
The effect of wet weather or heavy greenfly infestation on large thin-petalled blooms.
Why not try another category
Marshborough