Plant physiology explores plant functions and processes, the effects that plants have on their surroundings and the way plants react to their aquatic environments. Plant physiologists examine plant response to physical factors such as radiation (including light and ultraviolet radiation), temperature, fire, and wind. Of particular importance are water relations and the stress of drought or inundation, exchange of gases with the atmosphere, as well as the cycling of nutrients such as nitrogen and carbon. Plant physiologists also examine plant response to biological factors, including competition, herbivory, disease and parasitism, mutualism, and pollination.

See the AWAE bibliography page for mountain pine beetle related publications.