A Woodlot was Sprayed with a Fungicide

Question

A woodlot was sprayed with a fungicide.What would be the most serious effect of such spraying?
A)a decrease in food for animals that eat mushrooms
B)an increase in rates of wood decay
C)a decrease in tree growth due to the death of mycorrhizae
D)an increase in the number of decomposing bacteria
E)a decrease in food for animals that eat mushrooms, and an increase in rates of wood decay

Accepted Answer

Fungicides are designed to kill fungi, including mycorrhizae, which are vital in assisting trees with nutrient uptake. Without mycorrhizae, tree growth can be significantly reduced. While the other options may also have some negative impacts, the decrease in tree growth due to the death of mycorrhizae would likely have the most serious and long-lasting effect on the woodlot ecosystem.