Ornamental and Turf Pesticide Applicators Practice Exam

Which of the following diseases is often associated with nutritional deficiency symptoms?

1. Leaf spot diseases

2. Root rot

3. Powdery mildew

4. Fungal blight

The correct answer is: Root rot

Root rot is indeed often associated with nutritional deficiency symptoms because the stress caused by root rot can impede a plant's ability to uptake essential nutrients from the soil. When roots are damaged and unable to function properly, the plant may exhibit signs of nutrient deficiencies, such as yellowing leaves (chlorosis), stunted growth, or poor fruit and flower production, even if adequate nutrients are present in the soil. In contrast, leaf spot diseases are typically linked to pathogenic organisms rather than nutritional issues, while powdery mildew is a fungal disease that reflects issues with humidity and air circulation rather than nutrient levels. Fungal blight, like the other conditions, is primarily caused by specific pathogens and does not generally signal nutritional deficiencies directly. Therefore, root rot stands out as a condition where nutritional deficiencies can manifest due to its impact on the plant's root system and overall health.