What is the definition of systemic infection in plants?

A systemic infection in plants refers to a condition where the infection spreads throughout the entire plant rather than being confined to a specific location. This means that pathogens, like certain fungi, bacteria, or viruses, can travel through the plant's vascular system, affecting various tissues and leading to widespread symptoms that may include chlorosis, wilting, or stunted growth across different parts of the plant.

Understanding systemic infections is critical in integrated pest management because they often require different control strategies compared to localized infections. Localized infections, for instance, may only affect certain sections of the plant and can sometimes be managed through targeted treatments, whereas systemic infections necessitate broader approaches, such as systemic pesticides or cultural practices, since these can impact the entire plant health and development.