Spotlight on… Our plants under attack!

 

OUR PLANTS ARE UNDER ATTACK!


Just like us plants can get sick too! If you catch a cold you might have a runny nose or a cough. Plants can also show signs of being unwell and we call these symptoms. Plant symptoms can range from spots and holes to lines on the leaves and oozing sores that cause the plant to not grow very well.

Izzy the Inspector

HOW CAN PLANTS GET SICK?


Plants can be damaged by getting too much, or not enough, water and sunlight. The weather can damage them too. Humans can cut them down, mammals, insects and tiny worms called nematodes can eat them, or microbes can infect them. Microbes are tiny living things such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. They are found all around us and are too small to be seen by the naked eye.

HOW DO INSPECTORS HELP PLANTS?


Plants are strong both inside and out and are able to fight off most of the threats they face. Sometimes insects or microbes attack plants and they can’t fight back.

That’s where inspectors like me can help! We look for insects that want to eat plants, and symptoms of tiny microbes. In the UK we have scientists who can tell if the insects or microbes found on the plants are a pest or not. It’s a very important job!

Izzy the Inspector

Izzy the Inspector Activity Book


Jam-packed with fascinating plant health facts and fun activities… check out our Izzy the Inspector Activity Book!
You can download the PDF on the button below.