crossword clue plant disease – All Crossword Answers

Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "plant disease," you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of answers, categorized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to boost your crossword-solving skills.

Solutions for "crossword clue plant disease" by Letter Count

3 Letters

ROT: A general term for decay or decomposition of plant tissue.

4 Letters

RUST: A fungal disease characterized by reddish-brown spots or pustules on leaves and stems.

WILT: A plant disease causing drooping and shriveling of leaves and stems due to lack of water absorption.

SCAB: A plant disease causing rough, corky spots or lesions on fruits, tubers, or leaves.

6 Letters

BLIGHT: A rapid and extensive browning, withering, and death of plant tissues, often caused by fungi or bacteria.

MILDEW: A fungal disease appearing as white or grayish powdery patches (powdery mildew) or downy growths (downy mildew) on plant surfaces.

CANKER: A localized area of dead tissue on a plant stem, branch, or trunk, often sunken and discolored.

8 Letters

GUMMOSIS: The exudation of gummy substances from the bark of certain trees, often a symptom of disease or stress.

9 Letters

CHLOROSIS: A condition in which plant leaves produce insufficient chlorophyll, resulting in yellowing, often due to nutrient deficiency or disease.

More About "crossword clue plant disease"

Plant diseases are a major concern for agriculture and horticulture, leading to significant crop losses and impacting food security worldwide. They can be caused by a variety of pathogens including fungi, bacteria, viruses, and nematodes, as well as adverse environmental factors. Common symptoms range from leaf spots, wilting, and stunted growth to decay and eventual death of the plant. Understanding the specific type of disease is crucial for effective management and treatment, whether in a large-scale farm or a backyard garden.

Early detection and proper diagnosis are key to mitigating the spread and impact of plant diseases. Farmers and gardeners often rely on visual inspection, sometimes complemented by laboratory tests, and their knowledge of common pathogens prevalent in their region. Prevention strategies include using disease-resistant plant varieties, maintaining good plant hygiene by removing infected parts, practicing crop rotation to break disease cycles, and ensuring proper soil health and balanced nutrient levels. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approaches combine various techniques to control diseases sustainably, minimizing reliance on harsh chemical interventions.

The field of plant pathology is vital, continuously developing new solutions for disease control, ensuring healthier crops, and contributing to a more sustainable global food supply. From ancient blights that caused widespread famines to contemporary viral outbreaks, plant diseases have historically shaped human societies and continue to pose significant challenges, making accurate identification and effective management indispensable for agricultural resilience and global food security.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common types of plant diseases in crosswords?

In crosswords, you'll frequently encounter common diseases like BLIGHT, RUST, WILT, MILDEW, SMUT, and CANKER, as their names are relatively short and generally common knowledge. These terms are popular choices for puzzle setters due to their familiarity.

How can I improve my knowledge of plant disease terms for crosswords?

A great way to improve is by reading gardening articles, agricultural news, or even a basic plant biology book. Familiarizing yourself with general terms and concepts in botany will significantly boost your ability to solve related clues. Pay attention to terms used in everyday discussions about gardening and farming.

Are plant disease clues always about specific diseases?

Not always. While often they point to specific diseases like blight or rust, sometimes the answer might be a more general term for plant damage or decay, such as ROT. Alternatively, the clue might even lead to the type of pathogen causing the disease, like FUNGUS or VIRUS, depending on the clue's exact wording and the letter count you need to fill.