Which of the following statements accurately describes susceptibility?

Susceptibility accurately describes the lack of resistance to a disease, which means that an organism—be it a plant or animal—does not have effective mechanisms in place to fend off pathogens. This lack of resistance makes the host more vulnerable to infections, allowing pathogens to invade and potentially cause disease. Understanding susceptibility is crucial for developing effective management strategies, as it highlights the need for intervention to protect susceptible hosts from diseases.

Other options discuss resistance or immunity, which are the opposite of susceptibility. Resistance indicates an organism's capability to prevent infection or withstand disease, while immunity refers to the complete protection against pathogens, neither of which characterizes the actual condition of susceptibility. Thus, the correct choice focuses precisely on the vulnerability aspect, which is essential for diagnosing plant health concerns and implementing appropriate pest control measures.