Plant diseases

 These are abnormal conditions in the plant that may

lead to less productivity

Classification of plants according to causal

diseases

 Virus
 Bacteria
 Fungi

Bacteria
 are tiny diseases that are single celled that are
produced through cell divisions

Common bacteria diseases

 Bacteria wilt of tomatoes
 Bacteria canker

i. Bacteria wilt of tomatoes

 is most common in areas with severe high
temperatures
 affects roots and stems

ii. Bacteria Canker

 results in wilting of foliage stem, splitting and
breakdown of the internal tissues of a stem

Viral diseases
 are tiny pathogens that can not be seen by an ordinary
microscope
 aphids are examples of vector that play a pivotal role
in spreading viruses
 common notable viruses are tomato spotted, wilt,
tomato virus, tomato mosaic, maize

i. Tomato spotted wilt virus

 includes yellowing spots on leaves or terminal shoots
and general slanting

ii. Tomato mosaic

 leaves may be distorted and show stunted or elongated
growth

iii. Maize streak virus

Is transmitted by a vector which is a leaf hopper from
one crop to another

Fungal diseases
 are tiny in size and invade plants and grow in their
tissue which they kill and absorb the contents for food.

i. Downey Mildew
 Is caused by a fungus Peronospora parasite that
attacks young seedlings and mature vegetables
 Plants develop a grey mould on leaf surface

ii. Late blight

 it attacks tomatoes
 it spreads through use of diseased parts and seeds
 symptoms are red brown colour
iii. Grey leaf spot
 Attacks mainly maize crops
 Spreads through diseased parts and seeds
 Symptoms are spores on infected leaves