If any factor is missing from the plant disease pyramid, what happens?

If any factor is missing from the plant disease pyramid, what happens?

• A. There will be no disease.
• B. Disease occurs at reduced rate.
• C. Pathogen cannot reproduce.
• D. Host becomes immune.

Answer: (A)

Disease develops only when three things come together: a susceptible host, a pathogen, and an environment that supports the disease. If any one of these is missing, the disease cannot occur. So there will be no disease at all. This is why disease management often targets breaking one of the factors, such as using resistant varieties (host), removing the pathogen source, or altering cultural practices to avoid favorable conditions like extended leaf wetness or high humidity.

Disease develops only when three things come together: a susceptible host, a pathogen, and an environment that supports the disease. If any one of these is missing, the disease cannot occur. So there will be no disease at all. This is why disease management often targets breaking one of the factors, such as using resistant varieties (host), removing the pathogen source, or altering cultural practices to avoid favorable conditions like extended leaf wetness or high humidity.