Which organisms are classified as pathogens in plants?

The classification of pathogens in plants includes a broad range of organisms that can cause diseases. The correct answer identifies fungi, bacteria, viruses, mycoplasmas, and nematodes as plant pathogens. Each of these groups plays a specific role in the way they harm plants:

• Fungi are known for causing a variety of diseases like rusts, smuts, and blights. They can produce spores that spread rapidly to infect new plants.

• Bacteria can lead to diseases such as bacterial wilt and bacterial blight. They often spread through water or soil and may cause symptoms like wilting, yellowing, or necrosis of plant tissues.

• Viruses are another significant group. They can affect crop yields and quality, and often cause mottled leaves, stunted growth, or even plant death.

• Mycoplasmas are a type of bacteria-like organism that require living hosts to survive. They can also be involved in plant diseases, leading to symptoms that may mimic those caused by viruses.

• Nematodes, while often considered soil-dwelling organisms, can infect plant roots and contribute to decline in plant health through feeding or by transmitting diseases.

This comprehensive classification is crucial in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as it allows for