Which statement is true about stressed plants and pest problems?

• A. Stress reduces pest problems
• B. Stress has no effect on pest problems
• C. Stress increases the risk of pest and disease problems
• D. Stress prevents disease

Answer: (C)

Stress weakens plant defenses and reduces vigor. When a plant faces drought, nutrient imbalance, temperature extremes, or transplant shock, its growth slows and its immune responses are less effective. That makes it easier for pests to establish, reproduce, and spread, and for diseases to take hold. Stressed plants may also emit different signals that attract pests or disrupt beneficial predators, compounding the problem. So the true statement is that stress increases the risk of pest and disease problems. In contrast, stress does not reduce pests, it isn’t neutral, and it doesn’t prevent disease. Keeping greenhouse plants well-watered, properly nourished, and gradually acclimated helps minimize stress and the associated pest and disease risks.