Phytotoxicity can appear as which of the following symptoms?

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

Answer: (D)

Phytotoxicity is plant injury caused by a pesticide, and the way it shows up can vary a lot depending on the chemical, how much is used, when the plant is exposed, and the plant’s species and growth stage. Because different pesticides affect different tissues and processes, you can see a range of symptoms—from seedlings dying to leaves becoming distorted or tips of leaves turning brown and dead. Some chemicals cause shoot or leaf growth abnormalities, others cause tissue necrosis at leaf margins or tips, and still others might affect overall vigor. Given this variability, any of those symptoms can indicate phytotoxicity, so the option that includes all of the above is the best answer.