What can effect the health of plants aside from pathogens?

Non-pathogenic conditions can significantly affect plant health in various ways. These conditions encompass a range of environmental and physiological factors that do not involve pathogens but nonetheless impact growth and development. Factors such as poor soil quality, inadequate water supply, extreme temperatures, and nutrient deficiencies fall under non-pathogenic conditions.

For instance, if a plant is not receiving enough water, it can become stressed, leading to wilting or stunted growth. Similarly, nutrient deficiencies can cause symptoms such as yellowing leaves or poor fruit development. Understanding these non-pathogenic factors is crucial for effective plant management, as they help identify and rectify issues that may otherwise be mistaken for diseases caused by pathogens.

The other options describe methods or strategies that interact with plant health in different ways, either by addressing pest problems or enhancing nutrient availability, but they do not specifically pinpoint the broad range of non-pathogenic conditions that can impact plant vitality directly.