Which pest type is associated with environmental stress on plants?

The non-living pest type is typically associated with environmental stress on plants because it encompasses factors that do not involve living organisms but still significantly affect plant health. These non-living factors include abiotic stressors such as extreme temperatures, drought, salinity, and nutrient deficiencies.

These stresses can make plants more vulnerable to diseases and pests. For instance, a plant under drought stress may weaken and become less resilient to the colonization of pathogens or herbivores. By understanding how non-living factors impact plant stress, it becomes evident that managing these environmental conditions is crucial in promoting healthier plants that can better resist pest infestations.

In contrast, bacterial, fungal, and viral pests are all living organisms that can cause diseases in plants, but they are not directly linked to the environmental stress factors themselves. Instead, they often capitalize on the weakened state of a plant that is already suffering from non-living stress.