Can young plants experience blight before they emerge from the soil?

Young plants can indeed experience blight before they emerge from the soil. This occurs because certain pathogens can infect seeds and cause disease even while they are still in the soil. Conditions such as moisture and temperature can facilitate the proliferation of these pathogens, leading to seed or seedling blight. The infection may manifest before the plant has a chance to breach the soil surface, leading to poor seedling emergence or development.

In many cases, the blight-causing organisms, including fungi and bacteria, can attack the seeds or seedlings underground, which makes it crucial for farmers and gardeners to implement effective seed treatment methods to prevent such diseases. This understanding is vital in managing plant health and ensuring successful germination and growth.