The term “symptom” in plant pathology refers to:

The term "symptom" in plant pathology specifically refers to the visible response of the host plant to a disease or pathogen. This includes any changes in the plant's appearance or behavior as a direct result of the infection, such as wilting, yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, or lesions. These symptoms are crucial for diagnosing plant health issues, as they provide essential clues about the type of disease and its extent.

By understanding that symptoms reflect the plant's reaction to pathological conditions, practitioners can effectively assess plant health and determine appropriate management strategies. This understanding is key in differentiating between symptoms and other related concepts in plant pathology, such as signs, which pertain to the physical manifestation of the pathogen itself, like fungal spores or bacterial ooze.