Overfertilization, especially excess nitrogen, can increase populations of:

• A. Earthworms
• B. Aphids and certain pathogens
• C. Beneficial nematodes
• D. Mites only

Answer: (B)

Excess nitrogen pushes plants to grow lush, protein-rich tissue with phloem that’s high in amino acids. Sap-sucking insects like aphids thrive on that richer sap, reproduce faster, and reach larger populations when the plant is overfed. At the same time, some pathogens take advantage of the same conditions—soft, vigorous growth and higher nitrogen availability can make plants more susceptible to certain diseases, so those pathogens can increase as well. Soil-dwelling helpers like earthworms and beneficial nematodes aren’t directly boosted by this pattern of fertilization, and mites aren’t the primary group tied to overfertigation, making aphids and certain pathogens the best match.