What term describes overall crown decline characterized by branch and leaf death?

The term that describes overall crown decline characterized by branch and leaf death is dieback. Dieback occurs when parts of a plant, especially the stems and branches, begin to wither and die, resulting in a lack of healthy foliage. This phenomenon can be caused by a variety of stress factors, including environmental conditions, disease, pests, or root issues.

In the context of plant health, dieback indicates a systemic issue affecting the plant's ability to sustain its foliage, often leading to a gradual decline in its overall vigor. This can manifest as the outermost branches or the tips of the plant gradually dying back, ultimately affecting the crown of the plant where the growth is concentrated.

Understanding dieback is crucial for identification and management of plant health issues, allowing for targeted interventions to prevent further decline.