Stunt (botany)

In botany and agriculture, stunting describes a plant disease that results in dwarfing and loss of vigor. It may be caused by infectious or noninfectious means. Stunted growth can affect foliage and crop yields, as well as eating quality in edible plants.

Infectious

A stunt caused by infectious means usually is too late to cure.

• Nematodes (eelworm)
• Fungi
• Bacteria
• Viruses

Noninfectious

A stunt caused by noninfectious means could sometimes be remedied.

• Physical environment
  • Excess of water
  • Lack of water
  • Too-deep planting
  • Excess light
• Nutrition-related
  • Soil nutrient imbalance
• Injuries
  • Chemical injury
  • Physical injury
  • Pest feeding

See also

• Soil retrogression and degradation
• Soil pH
• Soil types
• Ramu stunt disease, a disease of the sugarcane widespread throughout Papua New Guinea