Root rot leads to which symptoms?

Root rot leads to which symptoms?

• A. Streaking on leaves
• B. White waxy coating
• C. Powdery growth on stems
• D. Root dieback and plant wilting

Answer: (D)

Root rot damages the root system, so the plant can’t take up water and nutrients effectively. When roots are rotted, water moves through the plant more slowly, causing the foliage to lose turgor and wilt even when soil moisture seems adequate. Leaves may yellow, curl, or brown and the plant overall shows decline as growth slows or dies back. Inspecting the roots often reveals brown, soft, rotted tissue and a foul smell if you pull the plant from its pot. These symptoms are distinct from leaf-only signs such as streaking on leaves, which point to leaf or stem diseases; a white waxy coating suggests pests like scale; and powdery growth on stems indicates powdery mildew. Maintaining good drainage and avoiding overwatering helps prevent root-rot conditions.

Root rot damages the root system, so the plant can’t take up water and nutrients effectively. When roots are rotted, water moves through the plant more slowly, causing the foliage to lose turgor and wilt even when soil moisture seems adequate. Leaves may yellow, curl, or brown and the plant overall shows decline as growth slows or dies back. Inspecting the roots often reveals brown, soft, rotted tissue and a foul smell if you pull the plant from its pot.

These symptoms are distinct from leaf-only signs such as streaking on leaves, which point to leaf or stem diseases; a white waxy coating suggests pests like scale; and powdery growth on stems indicates powdery mildew. Maintaining good drainage and avoiding overwatering helps prevent root-rot conditions.