3.3 Plant disease

How can plant disease be detected?

plant disease can be detected by: stunted growth, spots on leaves, areas of decay (rot), growths malformed stems or leaves, discolouration and the presence of pests

How can identification of plant diseases be made?

identification can be made by: reference to a gardening manual or website, taking infected plants to a lab to identify pathogen and using testing kits that contain monoclonal antibodies

What ion deficiency causes stunted growth in plants?

Nitrate deficiency, because nitrates are needed to make proteins for growth.

What ion deficiency causes chlorosis in plants?

Magnesium deficiency, because magnesium is needed to make chlorophyll.

What can plants be infected by?

Plants can be infected by viral, bacterial, and fungal pathogens, as well as by insects.

How do aphids damage plants?

Aphids insert their sharp mouthparts to feed on sugar rich-sap in the phloem, depriving the plant cell of nutrients, which damages and weakens the plant. They act as vectors, transferring pathogens from diseased to healthy plants

How can aphids be destroyed?

can be destroyed with chemical pesticides or by biological pest control, for example ladybirds are released to eat aphids and their larvae

Why does a lack of magnesium cause chlorisis?

Leaves are yellow (chlorisis) - so less photosynthesis - so less growth

Why is nitrate needed in the plant and what will happen when there is a lack of it?

Nitrate is needed, to convert sugars to protein if there is a lack of it, the plant will not grow properly- it will be stunted.

Why is magnesium needed in the plant?

To make chlorophyll