Illinois Pesticide Applicator Practice Test

What term refers to abnormal swelling in a portion of a plant like a branch or leaf?

1. Gall

2. Mold

3. Blight

4. Canker

The correct answer is: Gall

The correct term for abnormal swelling in a portion of a plant, such as a branch or leaf, is "gall." Galls are unusual growths that can be caused by a variety of organisms, including insects, mites, fungi, and bacteria. They often appear as localized swellings where the plant tissue responds to the presence of these organisms, resulting in abnormal growth. This swelling can take many forms and may vary in size and shape, reflecting the nature of the organism responsible for the gall as well as the plant species affected. Mold refers to a type of fungus that typically grows in a fluffy or fuzzy form on organic matter and can cause decay, but it does not describe the kind of swelling that galls do. Blight is a term used to denote a disease that causes rapid and extensive plant tissue damage, usually resulting in wilting or death of parts of the plant. Canker, on the other hand, refers to a specific type of plant disease characterized by dead, sunken areas on twigs, stems, or bark, often caused by pathogens, but does not specifically describe the abnormal swelling associated with galls. Thus, "gall" is the most accurate term in this context.