Plant protection

• How to spot an infected plant:

  • stunted growth
  • spotted leaves
  • areas of decay
  • growths
  • malformed stems or leaves
  • Discolouration
  • Presence of pests
• What happens to a plant with no…

  • Nitrogen —> very little growth
  • Iron —> yellowish leaves
  • Magnesium —> poor growth, yellowish leaves
  • Phosphorus —> weak shoots and roots
• What can plants be infected with?

  Viruses, bacteria, fungi, nematode worms and insects.
• How can plants defend themselves?

  • Physical defences —> waxy cuticle, walls made of cellulose, layers of dead cells
  • Chemical defences —> antibacterial chemicals, poisons
  • Mechanical defences —> thorns, hairs, drooping or curling when touched and mimicry