Which of the following best defines a soil transient or soil invader?

A soil transient, often referred to as a soil invader, is characterized by its ability to survive in the soil for a limited duration. This means that such pathogens are not robust enough to establish long-term populations in the soil environment and instead rely on specific conditions or a host plant to persist. Their survival is often tied to environmental factors and host availability, making them relatively ephemeral in their presence compared to more persistent pathogens that can endure in the soil for years.

In this context, while some pathogens may survive in soil for extended periods, soil transients specifically do not fall into that category. They do not require specific hosts for their immediate survival, which distinguishes them from more specialized pathogens. It's also important to note that being immediately harmful is not a defining characteristic of soil transients; their impact on plants can vary based on various factors, including plant health and environmental conditions. Thus, the definition of a soil transient is primarily focused on its temporary survival in the soil rather than its pathogenic nature or longevity.