Detection and identification of plant diseases

• What types of pathogens can infect plants?

  Fungi, bacteria, and viruses
• Why is early detection of plant diseases important?

  It prevents crop loss and ensures plant health
• What are common signs of plant disease?

  • Stunted growth
  • Spots on leaves
  • Areas of decay (rot)
  • Growths (e.g., galls)
  • Malformed stems or leaves
  • Discolouration
  • Presence of pests
• What does stunted growth in plants indicate?

  Lack of nutrients or viral infection
• What causes spots on leaves in plants?

  Fungal or bacterial infection
• What can areas of decay (rot) in plants indicate?

  Fungal or bacterial disease
• What do growths (e.g., galls) on plants indicate?

  Bacterial infection or insect damage
• What does malformed stems or leaves indicate?

  Aphid infestation or viral infection
• What does discolouration in plants often indicate?

  Magnesium deficiency or viral infections
• What does the presence of pests in plants indicate?

  Insect infestation
• What methods are used to identify plant diseases?

  1. Gardening manual or website
  2. Laboratory testing
  3. Testing kits (monoclonal antibodies)
  4. Microscopy
• How can gardening manuals or websites help in identifying plant diseases?

  They allow comparison with reference materials
• What is the advantage of laboratory testing for plant diseases?

  It provides more accurate identification
• What do testing kits using monoclonal antibodies do?

  They detect specific plant pathogens
• How does microscopy help in identifying plant diseases?

  It allows examination of infected plant cells
• What are deficiency diseases in plants?

  • Caused by nutrient deficiencies
  • Symptoms resemble disease
  • Examples: Nitrate and magnesium deficiencies
• What is the symptom of nitrate deficiency in plants?

  Stunted growth
• What is the cause of magnesium deficiency in plants?

  Needed to make chlorophyll
• What are common plant pests and their effects?

  • Aphids: suck nutrients, spread viruses
  • Caterpillars: eat leaves, reduce photosynthesis
  • Slugs and snails: eat young leaves and stems
• What effect do aphids have on plants?

  They suck nutrients and spread viruses
• How do caterpillars affect plants?

  They eat leaves, reducing photosynthesis
• What do slugs and snails do to plants?

  They eat young leaves and stems
• What solutions are used to protect plants from pests?

  • Pesticides
  • Natural predators (e.g., ladybirds)
  • Physical barriers
• Why is early detection of plant diseases important?

  • Prevents crop loss and economic damage
  • Protects ecosystems from disease outbreaks
  • Allows early treatment to reduce spread
  • Ensures food security in agriculture
• How can scientists and farmers diagnose plant diseases?

  • Symptom identification
  • Laboratory tests
  • Monoclonal antibodies