Georgia Pesticide Applicators Practice Exam

What term describes a condition of plant stress resulting from improper watering?

1. Disorder

2. Illness

3. Pest infestation

4. Deficiency

The correct answer is: Disorder

The term that best describes a condition of plant stress resulting from improper watering is "disorder." This term encompasses a range of non-infectious plant problems, including those caused by environmental stressors such as improper watering practices. When plants receive too much or too little water, they undergo physiological changes that manifest as wilting, leaf drop, or stunted growth, characteristic of a disorder. In contrast, "illness" typically refers to diseases caused by pathogens such as fungi, bacteria, or viruses, which are not directly related to watering issues. "Pest infestation" relates to damage caused by insect pests, which is a different category of plant stress. "Deficiency" refers to a lack of essential nutrients in the soil, which can lead to stress but is specifically associated with nutrient availability rather than watering practice. Thus, "disorder" is the most fitting term for stress caused by improper watering.