Other Plant Diseases
Biology: AQA GCSE Higher, topic 3.3.5
Other Plant Diseases
Plants can also be infected by:
Pests (insects)
- Greenflies and black flies (both called aphids) feed on the sap (a liquid in plants that stores sugars, salts and amino acids) in the phloem. This diverts sugars away from plants.
Fungal diseases
- Plants can suffer from fungal diseases, such as rose black spot, or barley powdery mildew (which causes white spots on the plant; its spores are spread in the wind).
Viruses
- Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV) is a common pathogen that infects plants.
Test yourself on Other Plant Diseases
Which of these is NOT stored in cell sap in plants?
A field of barley develops white spots on its leaves during a windy week. Which pathogen is most likely responsible and how did it spread to nearby plants?
Which statement correctly pairs a plant disease with its cause?
A rose bush develops a heavy aphid infestation. Why does the plant have less sugar available afterwards?
Powdery white spots appear on a barley plant and quickly appear on healthy barley plants nearby during a windy afternoon. What does this suggest about how the mildew spreads?