Question

The graph shows results from a study on a pathogen that infects and destroys grape plants. The pathogen reproduces asexually to form spores. These spores are easily transported by wind to new plant hosts to begin a new round of infection. In this study, scientists infected grape vine plants with viable spores and placed the plants in a vineyard. The scientists then collected spores that were produced from this infection. They collected some spores at various times on hot, dry days and collected other spores at various times on cool, cloudy days. Then they tested both sets of spores to see how well they caused infection in a new round of host plants. Which statement can be made about this study?

Answer 1

The study investigates how environmental conditions affect the viability and infectivity of asexual spores of a pathogenic fungus in grape plants, aiming to inform disease management in vineyards.

Step-by-step explanation:

The study outlined in the question investigates how well spores from a pathogenic fungus that reproduces asexually can cause infection in grape plants under different weather conditions. The researchers collected spores on both hot, dry days and cool, cloudy days, which suggests they were looking to understand the environmental factors that affect the pathogen's viability and its ability to infect new host plants.

The pathogen is an obligate biotrophic parasite, meaning it requires a living host for survival, but it also contributes to the host plant's decline. Its spores germinate rapidly and enter the plant through various means, setting up a network within the host to extract nutrients. The study likely aims to deduce which conditions favor spore survival and effective transmission, ultimately informing strategies for managing the disease in vineyards.

The inclusion of information about the fungal pathogen producing spores in nectar and the role of insects in spore dispersal, as well as the mention of other fungal pathogens like Botrytis cinerea and their economic impact, provides a broader context of how such pathogens operate and the significant consequences they can have on agriculture.