Phytotoxicity can appear as _________.

• A. Seedling death
• B. Distorted leaves
• C. Dead leaf tips
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Phytotoxicity means the pesticide causes injury to the plant, and the signs can vary widely depending on the chemical, how it’s applied, and the plant’s stage of growth. The injuries can show up as distorted leaves from growth-inhibiting effects, as dead leaf tips where tissue at the leaf margins dies from exposure, or in severely affected young plants as seedling death. Because these are all possible ways a pesticide can injure plants, the best answer is that all of the listed symptoms can occur. This reflects how varied and unpredictable plant injuries from pesticides can be, reinforcing the importance of following label directions and considering the plant’s stage and sensitivity when spraying.