Possible Causes of Injury to Plants

Abiotic Environment

Human-controlled

• Industrial wastes
• Air pollution
• Phytotoxicity (pesticides)
• Salt (chemical) accumulations
• Concrete and macadam
• Soil compaction
• Changes in soil level
• Changes in groundwater level
• Mechanical injury by auto, machinery, and vandalism

Natural

• Mineral deficiencies
• Frost and freeze
• Sun scorch
• Drought
• Lightning
• Wind
• Hail
• Blowing sand
• Flood

Biotic Environment

Animal

• Insects
• Mites
• Nematodes
• Millipedes
• Slugs and snails
• Birds (woodpeckers)
• Rabbits, mice, moles and other rodents
• Dogs
• Humans

Plants

• Viruses
• Phytoplasmas
• Bacteria
• Rickettsialike organisms
• Fungi
• Dodder
• Mistletoe
• Algae
• Moss
• Weeds
• Strangling vines
• Strangling roots