Which two types of prokaryotes are primarily responsible for causing plant diseases?

The correct answer identifies bacteria and mollicutes as the two primary types of prokaryotes responsible for causing plant diseases. Bacteria are well-known pathogens that can infect a wide variety of plants, leading to issues such as blights, wilts, and rots. They reproduce quickly and can spread through water, soil, or infected plant material.

Mollicutes, which include mycoplasma-like organisms, are also implicated in plant diseases, particularly causing symptoms like stunting, yellowing, and abnormal growth. These pathogens lack cell walls, setting them apart from typical bacteria, and they often require insect vectors for transmission between plants. Both groups impact agricultural productivity and can be quite challenging to manage.

Fungi and viruses, while significant plant pathogens, are not classified as prokaryotes; fungi are eukaryotes and belong to a different kingdom, whereas viruses are acellular entities that require a host cell to replicate. Algae and molds are also eukaryotic and typically do not cause diseases in plants in the same manner as bacteria and mollicutes. Parasites could refer to a broader category not limited to prokaryotes, including various organisms (e.g., nematodes and other pests) that affect