What is a common characteristic of bacterial diseases in plants?

Fluid oozing from infections is a hallmark characteristic of bacterial diseases in plants. This occurs because bacteria infect plant tissues, leading to cell death and causing the breakdown of plant cellular structures. As the disease progresses, bacterial exudates can ooze out from lesions or openings in the plant, resulting in a visible secretion that may be watery or mucus-like. This symptom is particularly indicative of bacterial infections and helps distinguish them from diseases caused by other pathogens.

The other choices represent symptoms that might occur in different conditions or types of plant diseases. Sooty mold formation is associated with the presence of honeydew excreted by sap-sucking insects, rather than a bacterial infection itself. Leaf curl may occur due to viral infections or environmental factors, not being exclusive to bacterial diseases. Stunted root systems can result from a variety of problems, including environmental stress and other types of diseases, but do not specifically relate to bacterial infections alone.