What is the primary function of eradicants in plant pathology?

The primary function of eradicants in plant pathology is to kill the pathogen inside the host. Eradicants are specifically designed to eliminate pathogens that are already present in the plant tissues or the surrounding environment. They act directly on the pathogens, such as bacteria, fungi, or viruses, by disrupting their biological processes, thus reducing or eliminating the infection.

This function is crucial in managing plant diseases, as it helps restore the health of affected plants and minimizes damage. In contrast, options like inducing resistance or preventing pathogen entry focus on different strategies for disease management. Inducing resistance involves stimulating the plant's own defense mechanisms, while preventing pathogen entry addresses the initial stages of infection, both of which do not directly eradicate existing pathogens. Enhancing plant growth is unrelated to pathogen management and focuses instead on promoting overall plant health without directly addressing the disease itself.