Which statement best describes the relationship between plant stress and pest susceptibility?

Which statement best describes the relationship between plant stress and pest susceptibility?

• A. Plant stress increases susceptibility to insects and disease
• B. Plant stress decreases susceptibility to pests
• C. Plant stress has no impact on pest susceptibility
• D. Plant stress only affects growth

Answer: (A)

Plant stress generally increases a plant’s susceptibility to pests and diseases. When a plant is stressed by drought, heat, cold, nutrient deficiency, or waterlogging, it has to divert energy from growth and defense toward surviving the stress. This reduces the production of defensive compounds such as secondary metabolites and stabilizing structures, weakens physical barriers, and can slow wound healing. Hormonal changes during stress can also disrupt defense signaling, making the plant less able to mount effective responses to insects and pathogens. In addition, stressed plants may emit altered volatile cues or have changed tissue chemistry that can attract pests or make it easier for them to feeding on or infecting the plant. Overall, the plant’s reduced vigor and compromised defenses under stress typically lead to greater vulnerability to pests and diseases, which is why the statement that plant stress increases susceptibility is the best description. To mitigate this, maintaining consistent water, nutrient supply, temperature, and good air movement helps keep plants resilient and less prone to pest and disease issues.

Plant stress generally increases a plant’s susceptibility to pests and diseases. When a plant is stressed by drought, heat, cold, nutrient deficiency, or waterlogging, it has to divert energy from growth and defense toward surviving the stress. This reduces the production of defensive compounds such as secondary metabolites and stabilizing structures, weakens physical barriers, and can slow wound healing. Hormonal changes during stress can also disrupt defense signaling, making the plant less able to mount effective responses to insects and pathogens. In addition, stressed plants may emit altered volatile cues or have changed tissue chemistry that can attract pests or make it easier for them to feeding on or infecting the plant. Overall, the plant’s reduced vigor and compromised defenses under stress typically lead to greater vulnerability to pests and diseases, which is why the statement that plant stress increases susceptibility is the best description. To mitigate this, maintaining consistent water, nutrient supply, temperature, and good air movement helps keep plants resilient and less prone to pest and disease issues.