Which of the following is a characteristic of non-pathogenic diseases?

The characteristic that identifies non-pathogenic diseases is their association with nutrient deficiencies. Non-pathogenic diseases occur when plants are affected by inadequate levels of essential nutrients, resulting in symptoms that can mimic those of diseases caused by pathogens, yet are not due to biological agents.

For example, a plant may exhibit yellowing leaves due to a lack of nitrogen, which is a common nutrient deficiency. This condition can lead to poor growth and development but is fundamentally different from an actual disease caused by a pathogen like a fungi or bacteria. Understanding these nutrient-related issues is crucial for proper plant care and management, as addressing deficiencies can restore the health of the plants without the need for chemical treatments aimed at controlling pathogens.

In contrast, conditions caused by invasive organisms, triggering environmental toxicity, or linked to soil pathogens would not fall under the classification of non-pathogenic diseases as they involve biological or environmental factors that lead to true disease symptoms.