Question

The potato famine of Ireland was caused by the attack of fungus
(a) Phytophthora palmivora
(b) Plasmopara viticola
(c) Puccinia graminis
(d) Phytophthora infestans

Answer 1

Hint: Potato blight caused the potato famine in Europe, which leads to a drop in the population rate of Europe. Plant infections from different types of pathogens also cause severe loss of crop which leads to starvation due to the nonfulfillment of food needs.

Complete answer:
In 1845 Potato famine began in Europe. Potato famine caused by fungus Phytophthora infestans , this fungus spreads rapidly. At that time potato is the main source of food in Ireland and it is also the main source of nutrients for Ireland people, after the introduction of potato blight, the reduction in potato crop takes place by collapsing and decaying which leads to one-third of the destruction of crop till 1845. Reduction in crops leads to starvation in Ireland people and because of starvation the population also decreases.

Additional Information: In 1843 potato blight appeared in the United States. This infection spread by spores, rainy season, and humid weather leads to the spread of infection rapidly which is also supported by the wind. Till 1845 this infection spread in the whole US and Canada. In 1845 it spread in many countries by seed export. By the end of 1845, it spread throughout Belgium, Holland, Italy, and Ireland but only Ireland suffered from major crop loss. The year 1845 has reported widespread hunger, but death is less compared to the huger ratio because many people get migrated in search of food. At that time starvation leads to vitamin and immune deficiency and the spread of infectious diseases like typhoid, cholera, smallpox, and respiratory illness.
So, the correct answer is Phytophthora infestans .

Note: Potato famine is also named Great Hunger after the incident took place in Ireland. In the year 1848, the potato harvest recovered after the application of a number of fungicides. After this Irish wheat and Irish barley disease also get spread but the government gets control over this on time.