(Of parasites) to be present somewhere in large numbers.
To invade or contaminate; said especially of parasites.
The action of inundating the exterior of a botanical entity or infiltrating the surrounding medium, such as earth or any other base material, pertains to a process referred to as “infestation.” This term is particularly applicable when characterizing the impact of animal or insect parasites. However, in cases where this concept is invoked to describe the presence of viral matter or microorganisms on the surface of plants, it does not necessarily connote that contamination has transpired. It should be noted that the organism that is infesting the plant may or may not be a contaminant. It is crucial to recognize that the terms “infest” and “contaminate” are not interchangeable.