Physiological or abiotic disorders are primarily caused by environmental factors such as temperature, moisture, unbalanced soil nutrients, excess or deficiency of specific soil minerals, extreme soil pH, and poor drainage. These types of disorders are distinct from others as they are not caused by living organisms like viruses, bacteria, fungi, or insects, but rather by non-living environmental factors that result in abnormal plant growth. Physiological disorders often lead to physical or chemical changes in plants that are far removed from normal growth and are typically caused by external factors. While some non-infectious disorders are easy to identify, others can be difficult or impossible to recognize. Once they occur, most physiological disorders are irreversible.

To identify physiological disorders, it is important to understand that: a) They are often caused by a deficiency or excess of factors that support life or the presence of something that interferes with life. b) They can affect plants at any stage of development. c) They are non-transmissible, occurring in the absence of infectious agents. d) Plants respond differently to the same agent, sometimes with a mild reaction and other times with severe reaction or death. e) Dealing with physiological disorders often involves addressing the consequences of past events. f) Damaged and undamaged tissue is typically clearly delineated. g) Physiological disorders not only cause damage themselves, but also serve as an entry point for pathogens.