Orchard enthusiasts and gardeners are worried when they view black spots on apples and wilted zucchinis. It is understandable to question whether one can become sick by ingesting produce infected by ill plants. The answer is mostly no, with very minor exceptions, which pertain to people with compromised immune systems. This is for the following reasons: the bacteria, viruses, and fungi that affect plants are distinctly, fundamentally, and substantially different from the ones that affect people. Plant pathology sometimes poses little to no threat to people, while sometimes plant produce may taste or feel odd, or in some instances, contain plant toxins.
Can plant pathogens affect humans, and when are they a risk
Plant-pathologic microscopic organisms are typically specialists. Viruses, bacteria, and fungi with symptoms of leafspots, wilting, and fruit rot are plant specialists and cannot live inside the human body. Handling a viral infection on a zucchini and/or observing dark specks on apples will not harm a human. Many ornamental diseases on apples, like sooty blotch and flyspeck, are harmless to human health. The problem with plant diseases is that they can be unappetizing and/or spoil quickly.As reported by Iowa State University, some bacteria are capable of infesting both plants and humans, but these cases are rare. Opportunistic bacteria can also affect humans, especially those who have compromised immune systems. An example is P. aeruginosa. It can cause soft rot, which is mild, in lettuce and other plants, but it can be dangerous to immunocompromised humans, who suffer from cancer, AIDS, burns, and other ailments. It is not a worry to those who are physically healthy, and most gardeners are not at any risk.
How certain fungi from plants can infect humans or produce harmful toxins
Some fungi live on rotting plant matter that, given particular conditions, may infect humans. The Sporothrix schenckii fungi, frequently found on the dead thorns of roses, may cause infections known as sporotrichosis or “rose picker’s disease,” typically seen in people who handle infected rose bushes or thorns with damaged skin. This usually takes place when spores come into contact with skin abrasions or are inhaled. Infections may target the skin, lymph nodes, or lungs, or even the eyes or joints.Some fungi may not directly infect human beings but can produce toxins. These toxins can result in the death of livestock or, upon consuming high quantities, can result in the death or illness of human beings. For example, Fusarium species, which can lead to the death of corn, can produce fumonisins and vomitoxin mycotoxins found in infected corn. These toxins can lead to the death or illness of livestock or, on consumption, can result in the death or illness of human beings. Some species of the Aspergillus flavus fungi produce aflatoxins found in infected peanuts or grains. Upon ingestion, it can lead to the death or illness of human beings by different methods, such as vomiting, pain, or convulsions, or, upon prolonged exposure, can lead to the growth of cancers.
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