What term refers to the method plants use to die or become damaged due to environmental factors or chemicals?

Phytotoxicity refers specifically to the toxic effects that certain chemicals or environmental factors can have on plants, leading to their injury or death. This term encompasses the range of symptoms that may occur when a plant is exposed to herbicides, insecticides, or other harmful substances. It highlights the relationship between the chemical exposure and the detrimental impacts on plant health, such as leaf burn, stunted growth, or even complete plant failure. Understanding phytotoxicity is crucial for safe pesticide application and management, ensuring that beneficial plants are protected while effectively controlling pests.

Other terms, while related to plant health, do not specifically encapsulate the concept of toxicity due to chemicals or environmental factors. For instance, plant stress can refer to various conditions affecting a plant, including drought, nutrient deficiencies, or diseases, but it does not exclusively address the effect of harmful chemicals. Environmental damage is a broader term that can include many non-chemical factors affecting plant health, and foliar distress describes symptoms visible on leaves rather than the underlying causes.