What is one symptom of Pythium infection in seedlings?

• A. Yellowing of leaves
• B. Seedlings falling over and dying
• C. Root elongation
• D. Prominent flowering

Answer: (B)

Seedlings falling over and dying is a well-recognized symptom of Pythium infection, which is a common issue in young plants. This pathogen, belonging to the group of water molds, tends to thrive in overly wet soil conditions, affecting seedlings when they are most vulnerable.

When Pythium infects seedlings, the disease disrupts their ability to take up water and nutrients effectively, often leading to damping-off—a condition characterized by the decay of stem tissues at the soil line. As a result, affected seedlings may become weak, collapse, and eventually die.

While yellowing of leaves can be a general sign of stress in plants, it is not specific to Pythium and can arise from various other issues, including nutrient deficiencies or environmental stresses. Root elongation and prominent flowering are not associated with Pythium infections; instead, affected plants typically show diminished root systems or stunted growth. Hence, the falling over and dying of seedlings directly illustrates the severe impact Pythium has on young plants.