What does "host range" refer to in the context of phytosanitary practices?

"Host range" refers specifically to the variety of plant species that can be affected by a particular pest. This concept is crucial in phytosanitary practices as it helps determine the potential impact of a pest outbreak on different crops and ecosystems. By identifying the host range, plant health officials and agricultural scientists can better assess risks and implement appropriate management strategies to protect susceptible plants within the identified range.

For example, understanding the host range of a pest can inform quarantine measures, pest surveillance, and the selection of resistant plant varieties. Broader host ranges may indicate a higher potential for pest spread and damage, thus necessitating more stringent control measures.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of "host range." While the number of plant varieties cultivated, pest resistance in plants, and geographical distribution of a pest are all important factors in plant health and pest management, they do not directly define what "host range" means in the context of phytosanitary practices.