What type of environmental stress can lead to abiotic issues in plants?

Drought stress is a significant environmental factor that can lead to abiotic issues in plants. When plants experience drought, they undergo physiological changes that can hinder their growth and development. This stress condition affects their ability to uptake water and nutrients from the soil, leading to wilting, leaf drop, and ultimately a decrease in photosynthesis due to a reduction in leaf area and chlorophyll activity.

Prolonged drought can cause osmotic stress, where the water inside the plant cells decreases, leading to cellular dehydration. This can result in poor flower and fruit development, reduced yield, and even plant death if the conditions persist. Furthermore, drought can exacerbate susceptibility to diseases and pests, as stressed plants are often less resilient and capable of defending themselves against harmful organisms.

Other choices, while they do pertain to plant health, do not directly relate to abiotic stress. Insect infestation, for example, is a biotic stress, as it involves living organisms causing harm. Similarly, soil erosion is more of a physical concern that can affect nutrient availability and soil quality, but it does not directly impose the physiological impact of drought. Pest control is a management practice rather than a type of stress itself. Thus, drought stress stands out as the primary abiotic stress