Texas Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

Which organism is known to be detrimental to plants by causing disease and decay?

1. Bacteria

2. Insects

3. Rodents

4. Birds

The correct answer is: Bacteria

Bacteria are known to be particularly harmful to plants as they can cause a wide variety of diseases and contribute to decay. Certain species of bacteria can infect plant tissues, leading to symptoms such as wilting, leaf spot, root rot, and other conditions that compromise the health of the plant. Bacterial pathogens often thrive in moist environments and can spread quickly, especially in fields or gardens, making them significant threats to agricultural productivity and plant health. In contrast, while insects, rodents, and birds can adversely affect plants, their methods of damage are different. Insects may feed on plant material or sap, but they do not cause the same type of bacterial diseases as bacteria do. Rodents might eat seeds or young plants, but their impact is not focused on disease. Birds can also feed on plants, but similarly to rodents, do not introduce disease in the way bacteria do. Therefore, the correct identification of bacteria as the organism responsible for disease and decay in plants is based on their specific role in plant pathology.