What does the presence of cankers typically indicate in plants?

The presence of cankers in plants is a strong indicator of fungal infections. Cankers are localized areas of dead tissue that often develop on stems, branches, or trunks, typically resulting from the invasion of specific fungi. These pathogens can infect plant tissues, leading to the disruption of normal growth and function, sometimes causing dieback or weakening the plant’s structural integrity.

When cankers appear, it usually means that the plant's defenses have been compromised by a fungal organism, which can thrive in certain conditions, such as high humidity or damage to the plant. Proper identification of cankers and understanding their relationship with fungal infections is essential for effective management and treatment.

While nutrient intake issues, pest damage, and environmental stress can harm plants, they do not lead to the characteristic formation of cankers in the same way that fungi do. Cankers are unique lesions primarily associated with infections, making the presence of cankers a clear sign of an underlying fungal problem.