Detecting Plant Diseases Flashcards
How are plant diseases detected in the field?
By examining plants and recognising symptoms.
What is a non-pathogen related reason for a plant showing symptoms of a disease?
Environmental causes such as nutrient deficiency.
How can we determine if a plant is diseased or if its due to something else?
By changing environmental conditions such as adding nutrients to the soil.
How can analysing the distribution of diseased plants help?
It can help pathologists work out what kind of pathogen is involved.
What do patches of diseased plants suggest?
The disease is spread through the soil.
What does a random distribution of diseased plants suggest?
The disease is airborne.
What are on the surface of pathogens?
Unique molecules called antigens.
What can be found inside a plant infected with a particular pathogen?
The antigen and DNA from that pathogen.
How can antigens be detected in a sample of plant tissue?
By using monoclonal antibodies
What are monoclonal antibodies?
Proteins made to bind to a specific antigen
How is the detection of an antigen or of a pathogen’s DNA useful?
It allows the pathogen to be identified and the disease diagnosed.
