4. Name at least five different deficiency symptoms in plants. Describe them and correlate them with the concerned mineral deficiency.
Deficiency symptoms- In the absence of any particular element, the plant shows certain morphological changes. These morphological changes are called deficiency symptoms. Five different deficiency symptoms in plants are as follows:
1. Chlorosis- It refers to the loss of chlorophyll causing the yellowing of the leaves. This symptom is visible during the deficiency of N, K, Mg, S, Fe, MN, Zn, Mo etc.
2. Necrosis- The term necrosis signifies the death of tissues. Necrosis is seen during the deficiency of Ca, Mg, Cu, K etc.
3. Exanthema- It refers to the splitting of skin and exudation of gummy matter. Exanthema is seen due to the deficiency of Cu.
4. Delayed flowering- The flowering is delayed due to the deficiencies of nitrogen, sulphur, and molybdenum.
5. Stunted plant growth- This deficiency symptom caused a decrease in the growth of the stem. Stunted plant growth is a result of the deficiencies of copper and sulphur.