Which symptom is associated with abiotic disease?

The association of deformed and stunted leaves with abiotic disease is attributed to the impact that environmental factors have on plant health. Abiotic diseases are caused by non-living factors, such as nutrient deficiencies, improper watering, unfavourable temperatures, or chemical imbalances in the soil. When plants are subjected to these conditions, their physiological processes can be disrupted, leading to growth abnormalities such as deformation and stunted growth.

These symptoms are indicative of plants struggling to adapt to their environment due to stressors that are not caused by pathogens or pests. In contrast, other choices involve either biotic factors (such as insect infestations and fungal growth) that are typically associated with living organisms that can cause diseases or pests, or symptoms that are not characteristic of abiotic stressors. Thus, the presence of deformed and stunted leaves distinctly points to abiotic influences affecting the plant's growth and development.