What term is used for an abnormal, unhealthy condition in turf, commonly caused by infectious organisms such as bacteria, fungi, or viruses?

What term is used for an abnormal, unhealthy condition in turf, commonly caused by infectious organisms such as bacteria, fungi, or viruses?

• A. Disease
• B. Insect
• C. Mite
• D. Mollusk

Answer: (A)

A disease is an abnormal, unhealthy condition in turf caused by infectious organisms such as bacteria, fungi, or viruses. These pathogens invade plant tissue, disrupt function, and produce symptoms like patches, discoloration, thinning, or dead spots. This distinguishes disease from other turf problems caused by pests—such as insects, mites, or mollusks—which damage turf through feeding or physical injury rather than initiating a plant-wide infectious illness. The description in the question specifically points to a condition caused by living pathogens, so disease is the best fit.

A disease is an abnormal, unhealthy condition in turf caused by infectious organisms such as bacteria, fungi, or viruses. These pathogens invade plant tissue, disrupt function, and produce symptoms like patches, discoloration, thinning, or dead spots. This distinguishes disease from other turf problems caused by pests—such as insects, mites, or mollusks—which damage turf through feeding or physical injury rather than initiating a plant-wide infectious illness. The description in the question specifically points to a condition caused by living pathogens, so disease is the best fit.