In plant pathology, which term refers to the physical evidence of the pathogen on the plant, such as visible fungal structures?

In plant pathology, which term refers to the physical evidence of the pathogen on the plant, such as visible fungal structures?

• A. Sign
• B. Symptom
• C. Lesion
• D. Overdevelopment

Answer: (D)

In plant pathology, the term that refers to the physical evidence of the pathogen on the plant is sign. Signs are observable features produced by the pathogen itself, such as visible fungal structures, mycelium, spores, or fruiting bodies on plant surfaces. This is different from symptoms, which are the plant’s responses to infection—like spots, chlorosis, wilting, or mosaic patterns. A lesion is a localized damaged area on tissue, which is a type of symptom rather than direct evidence of the pathogen. Overdevelopment isn’t a standard term used for this concept. So the best fit for the description is sign.

In plant pathology, the term that refers to the physical evidence of the pathogen on the plant is sign. Signs are observable features produced by the pathogen itself, such as visible fungal structures, mycelium, spores, or fruiting bodies on plant surfaces. This is different from symptoms, which are the plant’s responses to infection—like spots, chlorosis, wilting, or mosaic patterns. A lesion is a localized damaged area on tissue, which is a type of symptom rather than direct evidence of the pathogen. Overdevelopment isn’t a standard term used for this concept. So the best fit for the description is sign.