# Explain how a pathogen can be spread from one plant to another in a garden.

> AQA GCSE Biology (8461) — 4.3.3 Plant disease (Bio only) · Explain · 4 marks

> Rose black spot is a fungal disease that spreads rapidly through gardens, particularly in wet conditions. It causes purple or black spots on leaves, which then turn yellow and drop early.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Pathogens can be spread by water / rain splashing spores or the pathogen between plants
2. Pathogens can be spread by wind carrying spores / the pathogen to other plants
3. Pathogens can be spread by insects / vectors that carry the pathogen from plant to plant
4. Pathogen enters the plant / infects a new plant through damaged tissue / stomata / wounds, allowing the disease to develop

## Key terms

- [pathogen](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/pathogen)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Biology (8461)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-how-a-pathogen-can-be-69ac7833) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.