What is required, in addition to a susceptible host, for disease to occur?

What is required, in addition to a susceptible host, for disease to occur?

• A. Pests
• B. Pathogens
• C. Insects
• D. Nutrients

Answer: (B)

Disease in plants happens when a susceptible host encounters a disease-causing organism. The organism that actually triggers infection is the pathogen, which invades tissue, multiplies, and overcomes the plant’s defenses to cause disease. Without a pathogen, a susceptible plant alone won’t develop disease, even if conditions are favorable. Pests or insects aren’t required for disease to occur—they can assist in spread or cause damage, but disease can happen without them. Nutrients aren’t the disease-causing agents; nutrient issues can cause other problems, but not infectious disease.

Disease in plants happens when a susceptible host encounters a disease-causing organism. The organism that actually triggers infection is the pathogen, which invades tissue, multiplies, and overcomes the plant’s defenses to cause disease. Without a pathogen, a susceptible plant alone won’t develop disease, even if conditions are favorable. Pests or insects aren’t required for disease to occur—they can assist in spread or cause damage, but disease can happen without them. Nutrients aren’t the disease-causing agents; nutrient issues can cause other problems, but not infectious disease.