What describes a 'latent infection'?

A 'latent infection' is characterized by the infectious agent being present within the host organism while remaining dormant, which means there are no visible symptoms of disease. This state is crucial because it allows the pathogen to survive within the host for extended periods without causing immediate harm or triggering a defensive response from the plant. Latent infections can become active later, leading to symptoms if conditions change, such as environmental stresses that might weaken the plant's defenses or allow the pathogen to reactivate.

In contrast, the other choices describe different scenarios related to infections. For example, a situation where the infectious agent is actively causing symptoms indicates that the infection is in an acute phase rather than latent. Recovering from an infection refers to the plant’s response post-symptom phase and suggests a resolution rather than a dormant state. Lastly, while symptoms being severe but not visible suggests a complex interaction between the plant and pathogen, it does not fit the definition of latency since latency specifically denotes a lack of symptoms.