Which factor helps increase lace bug infestation risk on azaleas?

Which factor helps increase lace bug infestation risk on azaleas?

• A. Stress from full sun (azaleas prefer shade).
• B. Excessive irrigation.
• C. Strong wind exposure.
• D. High soil salinity.

Answer: (A)

When a plant is stressed, its defenses against pests weaken and it often has more tender growth that pests like lace bugs love to feed on. Azaleas thrive in shade, so exposure to full sun creates heat and moisture stress that weakens the plant and makes it easier for lace bugs to establish and multiply. That combination—azaleas under sun stress showing diminished defenses and more attractive new growth—explains why light exposure is the factor that most increases infestation risk. Other conditions like too much irrigation, strong wind, or high soil salinity can stress a plant, but they don’t align as clearly with lace bug risk on azaleas. The sun-induced stress specifically targets the plant’s tolerances and defense capacity in a way that directly facilitates lace bug problems.

When a plant is stressed, its defenses against pests weaken and it often has more tender growth that pests like lace bugs love to feed on. Azaleas thrive in shade, so exposure to full sun creates heat and moisture stress that weakens the plant and makes it easier for lace bugs to establish and multiply. That combination—azaleas under sun stress showing diminished defenses and more attractive new growth—explains why light exposure is the factor that most increases infestation risk.

Other conditions like too much irrigation, strong wind, or high soil salinity can stress a plant, but they don’t align as clearly with lace bug risk on azaleas. The sun-induced stress specifically targets the plant’s tolerances and defense capacity in a way that directly facilitates lace bug problems.