Noninfectious Diseases Changes in the enviroment and in your gardening techniques  can also interfere with normal plant functions, so technically they are considered diseases.Unlike infectious diseases, though, noninfectious diseases (also called disorders) cannot be transmitted from plant to plant. Disorders can still be very serious once they occur, but they're often easy to prevent and remedy with good gardening practices, like regular soil improvement. Symptoms of disorders vary widely, depending on the cause and the plant. Keeping your garden neat and free of debris helps remove sites for pests and disease spores.