Physiological Disorders of Fruit Crops

Physiological or abiotic disorders are commonly brought on by altering environmental conditions, such as temperature, moisture, unbalanced soil nutrients, inadequate or excess of specific soil minerals, extremes of soil pH, and poor drainage. The primary distinction between physiological or abiotic disorders and other disorders is that they are not caused by living organisms, like viruses, bacteria, fungi, insects, etc., but rather they result from non-living conditions, i.e., their agents are inanimate in nature. These disorders cause physical or chemical changes in plants that are far removed from normal growth, and they are usually triggered by external factors. While some non-infectious disorders are easy to identify, others can be challenging or even impossible to recognize. Additionally, most of these disorders are irreversible once they have occurred. To identify physiological disorders, it is crucial to understand that: a) They are often brought on by the deficiency or excess of something that supports life or by the presence of something that interferes with life. b) They can affect plants at all stages of their development. c) They are non-transmissible, as they occur in the absence of infectious agents. d) Plants respond differently to the same agent, and sometimes the response can range from a mild reaction to death. e) Dealing with physiological disorders often means addressing the consequences of a past event. f) Damaged and undamaged tissue is typically clearly demarcated. g) Physiological disorders not only cause damage themselves but also serve as an entry point for pathogens.