What is an example of abiotic stress for plants?

Abiotic stress refers to the environmental factors that can adversely affect plant growth and development, and drought is a prime example of this type of stress. Drought occurs when there is insufficient water availability for plants, leading to water deficit conditions in the soil. This can cause plants to experience stress, as they struggle to maintain their physiological processes such as photosynthesis, nutrient uptake, and cell elongation.

In contrast, the other options, such as diseases, insect infestations, and soil pathogens, are biotic stress factors. These involve living organisms that can directly damage plants, leading to weakened health or even death. Biotic stressors result from interactions with other living entities, while abiotic stressors like drought arise from non-living environmental conditions. Understanding the distinction between biotic and abiotic stresses is critical for effective plant management and horticultural practices.