Which of the following will cause wilting in plants?
Answer Details
Excessive transpiration is the option that will cause wilting in plants.
Transpiration is the process by which plants lose water through their leaves in the form of vapor. This process is necessary for the survival of plants, as it helps to transport water and nutrients from the roots to the rest of the plant.
However, when the rate of transpiration is greater than the rate of water absorption by the roots, the plant will begin to lose water faster than it can replace it. This can cause the plant to lose turgor pressure, which is the pressure that the cell contents exert against the cell walls. When the turgor pressure is lost, the leaves and stems of the plant will become limp and wilted.
On the other hand, humidity, coldness, and adequate soil water are not likely to cause wilting in plants. High humidity can actually help to reduce the rate of transpiration, as the air around the plant is already saturated with water vapor. Cold temperatures can slow down the rate of transpiration, but they are unlikely to cause wilting unless they are accompanied by other factors such as waterlogging of the soil. Adequate soil water is essential for maintaining the turgor pressure in the plant, and it will not cause wilting as long as the rate of transpiration is not excessive.
In summary, excessive transpiration is the factor that is most likely to cause wilting in plants because it can result in a loss of turgor pressure, which causes the leaves and stems to become limp and wilted.