What distinguishes biotic agents from abiotic agents?

Biotic agents are defined as living organisms that can influence plant health, such as insects, fungi, bacteria, and other pathogens. One key characteristic of biotic agents is their ability to spread from one plant to another, often through direct contact or environmental conditions favorable for their dispersal. This capacity for mobility and interaction with plants can lead to various outcomes, including disease transmission, pest infestation, or beneficial interactions like pollination.

In contrast, abiotic agents refer to non-living environmental factors such as temperature, water, light, and soil nutrients that can also impact plant health. While abiotic factors can cause stress or damage to plants, they do not possess the capability to reproduce or spread like biotic organisms do. Understanding the distinction between these two types of agents is crucial for effectively managing plant health and mitigating risks associated with both living and non-living influences.

The other options do not accurately characterize the differences between biotic and abiotic agents. For example, not all abiotic agents are harmful, and while abiotic agents are indeed non-living, they cannot be classified as living organisms.