True or False: Wilting, yellowing, and then browning of leaves are symptoms of Dutch elm disease.

The assertion that wilting, yellowing, and then browning of leaves are symptoms of Dutch elm disease is accurate. Dutch elm disease is caused by a fungal pathogen, which blocks the vascular system of the tree, leading to a series of physiological responses. Initially, as the fungus obstructs water transport, the leaves will begin to wilt due to a lack of moisture. Following that, a lack of nutrients due to reduced photosynthetic capability leads to yellowing of the leaves, commonly referred to as chlorosis. In the progressive stages of the disease, browning occurs as the leaves die off. These symptoms collectively reflect the impact of the disease on the tree's health, demonstrating a clear symptom progression that is characteristic of this particular disease.

In contrast, other responses to tree health issues may not follow this specific sequence of wilting to yellowing to browning, indicating different potential causes like nutrient deficiencies or other types of infections. Thus, recognizing these symptoms is crucial for diagnosing Dutch elm disease effectively.