Question
Biology Question on human health and disease
Bengal famine was caused by
A
Puccinia graminis
B
Helminthosporium oryzae
C
Albugo Candida
D
Fusarium sp.
Answer
Helminthosporium oryzae
Explanation
Solution
Helminthosporium oryzae causes leaf spot disease of rice commonly called sesame or brown leaf spot of rice. It caused Bengal famine of 1942-43 and similar conditions in Krishna-Godavari area in 1989-1990. The perfect stage of the fungus is Cochilobolus miyabeanus. The conidia are 5-10 septate.