Definition

Dwarfing is under-development of a plant or plant organs, which may be caused by disease, inadequate nutrition, or unfavorable environmental conditions.

Etymology.  O.E. dweorh, from P.Gmc. *dweraz, from PIE *dhwergwhos "something tiny." The mythological sense is from Ger., 1770. The verb meaning "to render dwarfish" is from 1626; that of "to cause to look small" is from 1850. The shift of the O.E. guttural at the end of the word to modern -f is typical (cf. enough, draft); O.E. pl. dweorgas became M.E. dwarrows, later leveled down to dwarfs. The use of dwarves for the legendary race is an innovation of J.R.R. Tolkien.

Discussion

Common factors associated with plant dwarfing or causing the dwarfing of plants or plant organs.

1. Infectious diseases

2. Inadequate nutrition

3. Unfavorable environmental conditions.