Soft scales damage plants by which mechanism?

• A. Removing plant fluids from tender growing parts
• B. Feeding on roots only
• C. Chewing leaves
• D. Causing leaf spots

Answer: (A)

Soft scales are sap-sucking insects. They attach to stems and new growth and feed by inserting their mouthparts and drawing sap from the plant’s tender tissues. This removal of fluids weakens the plant, causing slowed growth, yellowing, and distortion. They don’t chew leaves, and they don’t primarily feed on roots, so those options don’t describe their damage. Directly, they cause harm by draining plant fluids from young, vulnerable parts.