Which characteristic is typically associated with blights in plants?

Blights in plants are primarily characterized by rapid tissue death and significant damage that often manifests as leaf spots, rot, or decay. This characteristic can lead to a deterioration in the overall health of the plant, causing parts of the leaves or sometimes the whole leaf to turn brown and die off.

While stunted growth, unusual coloration, and increased pest attraction can occur in various plant diseases, they are not definitive or exclusive traits of blight. Stunted growth might be associated with a range of issues, including nutrient deficiencies or other types of diseases. Unusual coloration might hint at a different set of problems, such as nutrient imbalances or stress, and increased pest attraction generally relates to healthy plants being more appealing to pests, rather than directly indicating a blight condition.

The key feature of blight is its rapid onset and the observable symptoms of decay, making leaf rot and decay the most accurate description of this condition in plants. This criterion helps in diagnosing and managing plant health, allowing for timely intervention to protect crops.