Phytophthora root rot is caused by what type of pathogen?

Phytophthora root rot is caused by what type of pathogen?

• A. Soil-borne fungal pathogen called water molds
• B. Bacteria
• C. Virus
• D. Nematodes

Answer: (A)

Phytophthora root rot is caused by a water mold, an oomycete. These fungus‑like organisms live in moist soil and infect plant roots, often spreading via motile spores that swim through water in the soil to reach roots. They behave like fungi in causing root rot, but they are not true fungi, which is why they’re commonly referred to as water molds. The other options don’t fit because bacteria are bacteria, viruses require living cells to replicate and are not soil-borne pathogens of this disease, and nematodes are microscopic worms; Phytophthora is an oomycete, a fungus‑like organism.

Phytophthora root rot is caused by a water mold, an oomycete. These fungus‑like organisms live in moist soil and infect plant roots, often spreading via motile spores that swim through water in the soil to reach roots. They behave like fungi in causing root rot, but they are not true fungi, which is why they’re commonly referred to as water molds. The other options don’t fit because bacteria are bacteria, viruses require living cells to replicate and are not soil-borne pathogens of this disease, and nematodes are microscopic worms; Phytophthora is an oomycete, a fungus‑like organism.