Phytotoxicity can appear as which of the following?

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

Answer: (D)

Phytotoxicity is plant injury caused by chemicals such as pesticides. This injury can show up in several ways, and which symptoms appear depends on the chemical, the rate and timing of exposure, the plant species, and environmental conditions. Seedling death can occur when young plants are highly sensitive or exposed at a vulnerable stage. Distorted leaves arise when growth processes are disrupted, leading to changes in shape, curling, or abnormal development. Dead leaf tips result from tissue damage at the edges of leaves, often from concentrated solutions or salts. Because any of these outcomes are possible, and they can occur alone or together under different circumstances, all of the above are potential signs of phytotoxicity.