Latent infection
A state where a plant pathogen is present within plant tissues without causing any visible symptoms or damage.
Также говорят: asymptomatic infection, subclinical infection, latent disease
Latent infection is a critical phase in plant pathology, as plants may appear healthy while serving as a reservoir for disease transmission.
Identifying this state is vital for effective disease management in greenhouses and field crops. It directly impacts yield potential, as the disease can rapidly progress to an acute stage when environmental triggers, such as high humidity or temperature shifts, occur.
A common mistake is delaying treatment until symptoms appear. To manage latent infections, agronomists should implement preventative crop protection strategies and rely on diagnostic laboratory tests rather than visual inspection alone.