Question

In three words, what is the most prominent mineral deficiency symptom seen in this photo? List the three nutrients whose deficiencies give rise to this symptom. Based on the symptom’s location, which one of these three nutrients can be ruled out, and why? What does the location suggest about the other two nutrients?

Short answer

The mineral deficiency symptom found in plant leaves is chlorosis between veins. Manganese, iron, and magnesium are three nutrients whose deficiency develops chlorosis.

The magnesium can be ruled out as this nutrient is not causing deficiency in young leaves like chlorosis caused by other nutrients, such as iron and manganese.

Step-by-step solution

Mineral

The inorganic element thatplants obtain through their roots for growth and building cellsis called mineral. Examples of minerals for plant nutrition are potassium, copper, iron, zinc, phosphorous, and nitrogen.

Various functions performed by minerals in plants are phloem transport, plant body formation, catalytic effect, cell osmotic potential, and an antagonistic effect.

Chlorophyll

The green coloring matter, which is vital for photosynthesis and used for energy transformation (converting solar to chemical energy), is called chlorophyll.

The several functions associated with chlorophyll are fuel for photosynthesis, absorption of light, and primary plants pigment.

Mineral deficiency in plants

The physiological disease in which plants lose their green color due to iron and manganese deficiency is called chlorosis.

The chlorosis occurs in young or new leaves, whereas magnesium deficiency is found in older leaves.

The nutrients like iron and manganese are considered immobile nutrients whose deficiency occurs in new leaves.