Types of Plant Pathogens
Fungal Pathogens
- Most common plant diseases
- Spread by spores through air or water
- Thrive in warm, moist conditions
- Examples: Rose black spot, potato blight
Bacterial Pathogens
- Enter through wounds or natural openings
- Spread by water, insects, or tools
- Cause wilting, spots, or soft rot
- Examples: Fire blight, bacterial canker
Viral Pathogens
- Need vectors (insects) to spread
- Cannot be cured once inside plant
- Cause stunting and deformation
- Examples: TMV, cucumber mosaic virus
Other Pathogens
- Nematodes (roundworms)
- Protists (e.g., Phytophthora)
- Parasitic plants (e.g., dodder)
This deep dive covers Plant Pathogens and Disease Types within Plant Diseases and Defenses for GCSE Biology. Plant pathogens, defense mechanisms, disease identification, crop protection It is section 3 of 18 in this topic. Use this deep dive to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Practice questions for Plant Diseases and Defenses
What type of pathogen causes rose black spot disease?
Explain how rose black spot affects the growth of infected plants.
Quick recall flashcards
What is rose black spot?
A fungal disease that affects roses, causing black or purple spots on leaves, which turn yellow and drop off, reducing photosynthesis.
What is a plant pathogen?
A microorganism that causes disease in plants, such as fungi, bacteria, or viruses.