Definition

A type of organism that causes disease in plants, often by infecting them and harming their growth or health.

Example

The farmer took measures to protect his crops from phytopathogens that could cause serious damage.

Conversation

Did you hear about that phytopathogen affecting the local farms?

Yeah, it's really concerning how quickly it's spreading.

I read that it can destroy entire crops if not managed properly.

Exactly, farmers need to be really vigilant this season.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Phytopathogen → It is formed from "phyto-" (from Greek "phyton", meaning plant) and "pathogen" (from Greek "pathos", meaning suffering or disease, and "genes", meaning born of or produced by). The word refers to an organism that causes disease in plants.

Memory Tip

Think of 'phyto-' meaning plant and 'pathogen' relating to something that causes suffering — this helps you remember that a phytopathogen is something that causes disease in plants.

Visually Confused Words