Which leaf symptom commonly indicates a micronutrient deficiency such as iron deficiency?

Which leaf symptom commonly indicates a micronutrient deficiency such as iron deficiency?

• A. Chlorosis
• B. Necrosis
• C. Stippling
• D. Hyperhydration

Answer: (A)

Chlorosis is the telltale sign here. When leaves turn yellow while the leaf veins remain green, it means the plant is losing chlorophyll, a hallmark of iron and other micronutrient shortages. Iron is essential for making chlorophyll, and in many soils—especially alkaline ones—iron becomes unavailable to the plant. This deficiency typically shows up first on new growth, because iron isn’t readily moved to developing tissues, so young leaves pale between the veins while the veins stay greener. In contrast, necrosis is dead tissue from severe stress or disease, not the gradual yellowing of chlorophyll. Stippling refers to tiny specks or spots on the leaf, which can come from pests or other nutrient issues, not the classic iron-deficiency pattern. Hyperhydration is excess water response, causing water-soaked or blister-like areas. So the described yellowing pattern best fits chlorosis from an iron deficiency.

Chlorosis is the telltale sign here. When leaves turn yellow while the leaf veins remain green, it means the plant is losing chlorophyll, a hallmark of iron and other micronutrient shortages. Iron is essential for making chlorophyll, and in many soils—especially alkaline ones—iron becomes unavailable to the plant. This deficiency typically shows up first on new growth, because iron isn’t readily moved to developing tissues, so young leaves pale between the veins while the veins stay greener.

In contrast, necrosis is dead tissue from severe stress or disease, not the gradual yellowing of chlorophyll. Stippling refers to tiny specks or spots on the leaf, which can come from pests or other nutrient issues, not the classic iron-deficiency pattern. Hyperhydration is excess water response, causing water-soaked or blister-like areas. So the described yellowing pattern best fits chlorosis from an iron deficiency.