How does the proliferation of sooty mold negatively impact the plant's energy production?
Answer
Blocking sunlight from reaching the chlorophyll-containing cells.
The primary detrimental effect of sooty mold is its physical interference with light absorption necessary for plant life. Sooty mold forms a dark layer across the leaves and stems, which acts as a shade barrier. By blocking sunlight from penetrating the surface and reaching the chlorophyll within the cells, the plant's ability to convert light energy into chemical energy (photosynthesis) is severely diminished. This process effectively starves the plant of its primary energy source, often causing more long-term systemic damage than the initial loss of sap nutrients.
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