Which term refers to the retarding effect on plant growth and development?

The term that refers to the retarding effect on plant growth and development is "stunting." Stunting describes a situation in which plants exhibit reduced growth, often due to various stress factors such as nutrient deficiencies, pests, diseases, or adverse environmental conditions. When plants are stunted, they do not reach their full potential in terms of height, leaf size, or overall biomass, which can ultimately affect their yield and health.

The other terms provided do not convey the same meaning. "Enhancement" indicates an increase or improvement in growth, while "proliferation" suggests a rapid increase in numbers or growth rate. "Acceleration" relates to an increase in the speed of growth or development. Thus, these terms are not applicable when discussing the negative impact on plant growth that stunting represents.