Which option lists a common viral symptom?

Which option lists a common viral symptom?

• A. Mosaic patterns, distorted growth, ring spots, yellow veins
• B. Leaf spots and blights
• C. Rots and tumours
• D. Stunted growth only

Answer: (A)

Viral infections in ornamental and turf plants tend to produce distinctive leaf patterns and growth changes. Mosaic patterns—alternating light and dark green areas—occur because the virus disrupts how chlorophyll is produced in different leaf sections. Distorted or mottled leaf growth happens as the virus interferes with normal cell division and development. Ring spots are circular or ring-shaped necrotic areas that form around infection centers, and yellowing of the veins (chlorosis) reflects impaired pigment transport and leaf function. Taken together, mosaic patterns, distorted growth, ring spots, and yellow veins are a classic combination that points to a viral problem. Leaf spots and blights are more commonly linked to fungal or bacterial pathogens; rots and tumours don’t typically present the same mosaic/distortion/ring patterns; stunted growth alone is nonspecific and can be caused by many issues. So the described symptom set best matches a viral infection. If you suspect a virus, remember there’s no chemical cure—manage by removing infected plants and preventing spread through vectors and tools.

Viral infections in ornamental and turf plants tend to produce distinctive leaf patterns and growth changes. Mosaic patterns—alternating light and dark green areas—occur because the virus disrupts how chlorophyll is produced in different leaf sections. Distorted or mottled leaf growth happens as the virus interferes with normal cell division and development. Ring spots are circular or ring-shaped necrotic areas that form around infection centers, and yellowing of the veins (chlorosis) reflects impaired pigment transport and leaf function. Taken together, mosaic patterns, distorted growth, ring spots, and yellow veins are a classic combination that points to a viral problem.

Leaf spots and blights are more commonly linked to fungal or bacterial pathogens; rots and tumours don’t typically present the same mosaic/distortion/ring patterns; stunted growth alone is nonspecific and can be caused by many issues. So the described symptom set best matches a viral infection. If you suspect a virus, remember there’s no chemical cure—manage by removing infected plants and preventing spread through vectors and tools.