What do pathogens primarily cause?

Pathogens are microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other agents that can cause disease in plants, animals, and humans. The primary role of pathogens is to invade hosts and disrupt normal biological functions, leading to illness or disease symptoms. In the context of agriculture, plant pathogens can lead to crop diseases that affect growth, yield, and overall plant health, while in humans and animals, they can cause a range of health issues and infections.

Although food spoilage, structural damage, and competition with crops can be influenced by the presence of various organisms, they are not the primary result of pathogens. Food spoilage, for example, is often caused by the breakdown of food by bacteria, yeasts, or molds, but not all spoilage agents are classified as pathogens. Similarly, structural damage can occur from physical agents or pests rather than pathogens alone, and competition with crops typically involves weeds or non-pathogenic organisms.