What is a systemic symptom of plant disease?

A systemic symptom of plant disease refers to a reaction that affects the entire plant rather than just specific areas. General yellowing is indicative of a systemic issue such as nutrient deficiency, viral infection, or other disorders affecting the overall health of the plant. When a plant displays general yellowing, it often signifies that the problem is not confined to one part but is widespread and influencing multiple systems within the plant, indicating that the plant is stressed or compromised on a broader level.

In contrast, symptoms like localized leaf drop, spotting on leaves, or stem breakage tend to reflect localized or specific issues, often related to environmental stressors or localized infections. These types of symptoms suggest that the plant might be responding to a particular problem that does not impact its overall health to the same extent as general yellowing does.