Abiotic disease

Pronunciation
/ab-ee-OT-ik dis-EEZ/
Category
Ecology
Singular
Abiotic disease
Plural
Abiotic diseases

Definition

A disease or condition in plants that is caused by environmental factors rather than by pathogens.

Etymology

Example

Wilting and stunted growth in plants can be caused by abiotic diseases such as drought stress.

Related Terms

  • Environmental stress
  • Plant stress

Usage Notes

Abiotic diseases are often difficult to diagnose because they mimic symptoms of biotic diseases.