Chapter 21, Problem 18STP

Summary Introduction

To determine:

The reason for spreading of potato blight in Ireland quickly and the way by which fungus growth can be slowed by farming practices.

Introduction:

The diploid multicellular stage in life cycle of plant is termed as sporophyte. When a haploid egg fuses with a haploid sperm, a zygote is formed. Sporophyte develops from the zygote and has two sets of chromosomes.

Explanation of Solution

In 1840s, in the Ireland potato was a popular crop. In rural Ireland people were dependent totally on potatoes for daily food. From 185-1847, potato blight named fungal disease completely ruined the potato crops. Blight produced spores on potato plant leaves. These spores could be transmitted by wind and water. Through these transmitters, spores could enter soil and infect potato tubers. Due to this many millions of people died due to starvation in the Ireland.

Spraying disease resistant chemicals in small amount on crops can prevent them from fungal infection. By minimizing the contact between water ad foliage can also prevent fungal infection, as any infection takes place in humid or wet area. Watering the soil at soil level early in the day is also good. By this, foliage dries quickly.