Which symptom is indicative of necrotic tissue damage in plants?

The choice indicating a water-soaked appearance as a symptom of necrotic tissue damage in plants is accurate because necrosis involves the death of plant tissue, which can lead to changes in the tissue's physical characteristics. When a plant's tissue becomes necrotic, it often first exhibits a water-soaked appearance, which is a precursor to complete tissue death. This symptom arises from cells becoming engorged with water due to cell damage and the breakdown of cellular structures. Therefore, the water-soaked look often points to the beginning of necrotic processes.

In contrast, green foliage typically suggests healthy tissue rather than damage. Wilting and flaccid tissue can be symptoms resulting from various stress factors, including water deficiency or phytotoxicity, but they are not exclusive markers of necrotic tissue. They reflect water imbalance rather than direct necrosis. While flaccid or wilted tissue may occur following necrosis, the water-soaked appearance more specifically indicates the initial phase of necrotic changes in the plant cells. Hence, the most direct correlation with necrotic damage is the characteristic water-soaked appearance.