Which type of decomposer can produce chemicals that are harmful to plants

There are various types of decomposers like bacteria, fungi, and insects, but some fungi and bacteria can produce chemicals that are harmful to plants.

For instance, certain species of Fusarium and Rhizoctonia fungi produce toxins that can kill plants or stunt their growth. Similarly, some bacteria like Pseudomonas syringae produce toxins that can cause diseases in plants.

Therefore, it's essential to identify the type of decomposer present in the soil or around the plant before taking any measures to control them.

Certain types of decomposers, specifically saprophytic fungi and bacteria, can produce chemicals that are harmful to plants. These chemicals, known as secondary metabolites or phytotoxins, are released during the decomposition process and can negatively affect plant growth and development. Examples of such harmful decomposers include some species of white rot fungi, which produce toxins that inhibit plant growth, and certain bacteria, such as Pseudomonas syringae, which generates toxins that cause plant diseases like bacterial blight.