(10) Examples of viral, bacterial and fungal pathogen communicable diseases in plants

These are all also described on my 'plant pages'

Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) is a virus that attacks plants, another is potato blight

Examples of fungal pathogen communicable diseases

Rose black spot is fungus that affects rose plants.

Chalara ash dieback is a fungus that infects ash trees.

See Plant Diseases index notes for more details, and some key points below.

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Key points Source of information is based on textbooks & syllabus-specifications for students taking the AQA GCSE, Edexcel GCSE and OCR GCSE level biology examinations (~US grades 9-10).

Key points about communicable diseases in plants

Revision notes on plant communicable diseases caused by viral, bacterial, and fungal pathogens

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Plant Communicable Diseases: Pathogens, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention

1. Introduction

• Like humans, plants can be infected by pathogens: viruses, bacteria, and fungi.

• These diseases can reduce crop yield, affect food supply, and cause economic loss.

• Understanding plant diseases is important for agriculture, ecosystem health, and biotechnology.

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Viral Plant Disease: Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV)

Pathogen: Tobacco mosaic virus

Symptoms:

• Mosaic pattern of light and dark green on leaves

• Discolouration

• Stunted growth due to reduced photosynthesis

Transmission:

• Contact with infected plants or tools

• Insects acting as vectors

Treatment:

• No cure once infected

Prevention:

• Remove and destroy infected plants

• Disinfect tools

• Use TMV-resistant plant varieties

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Bacterial Plant Disease: Crown Gall Disease

Pathogen: Agrobacterium tumefaciens

Symptoms:

• Tumour-like growths (galls) on stems and roots

• Disrupted water and nutrient transport

• Stunted growth

Transmission:

• Enters through wounds in the plant

• Spread via soil, tools, or infected plant material

Treatment:

• No effective chemical treatment

Prevention:

• Use disease-free plants

• Avoid injuring plants during handling

• Sterilise tools and equipment

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Fungal Plant Disease: Rose Black Spot

Pathogen: Diplocarpon rosae

Symptoms:

• Black or purple spots on leaves

• Yellowing and leaf drop

• Reduced photosynthesis → poor growth and flowering

Transmission:

• Spread by wind and rain splash

• Spores survive on fallen leaves

Treatment:

• Use fungicides

Prevention:

• Remove and burn infected leaves

• Prune affected areas

• Grow resistant rose varieties

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Why Is This Important in Human Biology?

• Shows how pathogens affect all living organisms, not just humans.

• Helps us understand disease transmission, prevention, and control — key themes in biology.

• Links to food security and agricultural science — vital for human survival.

• Reinforces the importance of hygiene, quarantine, and biotechnology in managing disease.

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Quick Summary Table

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Keywords, phrases and learning objectives for this section on plant diseases

Be able to describe examples of pathogens that attack plants in terms of being communicable diseases.

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