pathotropism
definition
the tendency of pathogens to cause disease in specific plants or plant organs
example
The research highlighted the pathotropism exhibited by certain fungal pathogens that selectively infect the roots of specific crop varieties.
synonyms
pathogenicityvirulencedisease causation
word origin — Derived from 'patho-' meaning 'disease' and '-tropism' meaning 'turning' or 'tendency' in Greek.