What factor increases a plant's risk of phytotoxicity?

Phytotoxicity refers to the toxicity of a compound to plant life, which can result in damage or death of the plant. Water stress, which can occur due to inadequate or inconsistent watering practices, significantly increases a plant's risk of experiencing phytotoxic effects.

When a plant is water-stressed, it is unable to uptake essential nutrients and other compounds efficiently from the soil. This reduced capability can leave the plant vulnerable to the harmful effects of herbicides, pesticides, and even certain fertilizers, leading to symptoms such as wilting, leaf scorch, and stunted growth. In a water-stressed environment, even normally safe levels of chemicals can become phytotoxic due to the plant's weakened condition and its impaired physiological processes.

While excess fertilizer, poor soil drainage, and high sunlight exposure can also lead to various stresses or issues in plants, they tend to create conditions that do not directly relate to the issue of phytotoxicity as closely as water stress does. Water-stressed plants are more likely to have a diminished ability to cope with additional chemical stressors, making them particularly susceptible to phytotoxic effects.