Which of the following is NOT an entry point for bacterial infection to enter a plant?

• A. Mechanical injuries
• B. Stomates and nectaries
• C. Wounds made by insect feeding
• D. Fungal spores

Answer: (D)

Bacteria typically need a direct access point to the inner tissues of a plant, such as wounds or natural openings, to establish infection. Mechanical injuries create an entry where the protective surface barrier is breached, and insects can leave feeding wounds that bacteria can exploit. Likewise, stomata and nectaries are natural openings that some bacterial pathogens can enter through, taking advantage of the plant’s entry points. Fungal spores, however, are the propagules of fungi, not bacteria, so they do not serve as an entry route for bacterial infection. In short, bacteria enter through wounds or openings, while fungal spores pertain to fungal pathogens, not bacterial ones.