Latent infection
A plant health state where a pathogen or pest is present in the tissues, but no visible symptoms of disease have yet appeared.
Также говорят: asymptomatic infection, cryptic infection, latent infestation
Latent infection represents a critical phase in crop management, as the pathogen multiplies within the host without showing external signs. During this period, the organism depletes the plant's resources, causing physiological stress and reducing potential yield long before any visible damage is detected.
Practical management requires a focus on proactive monitoring and diagnostic tools such as molecular testing or ELISA. By identifying the pathogen early, producers can apply targeted protective treatments, preventing the spread of the disease to healthy parts of the field.
A common mistake is waiting for visible symptoms before taking action. By the time lesions or wilting occur, the pathogen may have already established itself, making control measures significantly less effective and more costly.