What might be a sign of pathogens in the environment?

Pathogen dormancy under unfavorable conditions is indeed an important sign of pathogens in the environment. Many pathogens, including fungi and bacteria, can remain dormant during adverse environmental conditions such as extreme temperatures, drought, or otherwise unfavorable moisture levels. This ability to withstand these conditions allows them to survive until the environment becomes suitable for their growth and reproduction. When conditions improve, these dormant pathogens can become active again, potentially leading to outbreaks of disease in plant populations.

In contrast, other options do not indicate the presence of pathogens effectively. Bacterial growth in healthy plants may suggest the presence of bacteria, but it does not necessarily point to pathogenic bacteria causing any detrimental effects. The complete absence of pathogens represents a healthy environment, while visible plant injuries caused by insects mainly signal pest interactions and do not directly indicate pathogen presence. Therefore, recognizing dormant pathogens is crucial for understanding potential future threats to plant health.