What distinguishes fungal diseases from bacterial diseases in plants?

• A. They are identical in management
• B. Fungal diseases are caused by fungi; bacterial diseases by bacteria; management differs and antibiotics are rarely used in crops
• C. Fungal diseases are caused by bacteria
• D. Bacterial diseases are caused by fungi

Answer: (B)

Pathogens that cause plant diseases come from different groups, so management targets the specific organism involved. Fungal diseases are caused by fungi, while bacterial diseases are caused by bacteria, and the strategies to control them are different as a result. In practice, fungi are typically managed with fungicides and cultural practices that reduce leaf wetness and improve air circulation, whereas bacterial problems rely more on sanitation, resistant varieties, and appropriate bactericides when needed. Antibiotics are rarely used in crop protection due to regulatory limits, potential residues, and the risk of resistance. This combination of pathogen-specific control and limited use of antibiotics explains why management differs and antibiotics are rarely used in crops.