Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Plant disease dissemination across spatial geographic gradients occurs via living (biotic) or non-living physical (abiotic) vectors.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Spatial horizontal transmission of fungal foliar plant pathogens (rusts, smuts, powdery mildews, leaf spots) across agricultural fields is predominantly mediated by abiotic environmental vectors, primarily turbulent wind currents (anemochory) and rain splash irrigation water droplets (hydrochory).
Biotic insect vectors play a major role in plant viruses and phytoplasmas rather than most fungal pathogens.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Hence, spatial horizontal transmission of fungal diseases is mostly facilitated by abiotic vectors.