Which nutrient deficiency is shown?

Which nutrient deficiency is shown?

• A. Phosphorus
• B. Potassium
• C. Calcium
• D. Nitrogen

Answer: (D)

Nitrogen deficiency shows up as yellowing of the oldest leaves with the plant looking pale and weak overall. Since nitrogen is highly mobile in the plant, it’s moved from older tissues to support new growth when it’s in short supply, so the symptoms begin on the lower leaves before appearing on newer ones. In a greenhouse, this pattern—yellow, pale older leaves and reduced vigor—is a classic sign that the nitrogen in the nutrient solution or soil is insufficient. Other deficiencies tend to produce different patterns: phosphorus deficiency often slows growth and can cause dark green or purplish tinges; calcium deficiency usually affects new growth with distorted leaves or blossom-end issues; potassium deficiency typically shows marginal burn or scorching and yellowing starting at the leaf edges. So the observed yellowing of the older leaves, with overall pale growth, points to nitrogen. To address it, adjust the fertilizer program to restore adequate nitrogen levels, using appropriate nitrate or ammonium sources, while avoiding excessive nitrogen that could encourage lush vegetative growth at the expense of fruiting.

Nitrogen deficiency shows up as yellowing of the oldest leaves with the plant looking pale and weak overall. Since nitrogen is highly mobile in the plant, it’s moved from older tissues to support new growth when it’s in short supply, so the symptoms begin on the lower leaves before appearing on newer ones. In a greenhouse, this pattern—yellow, pale older leaves and reduced vigor—is a classic sign that the nitrogen in the nutrient solution or soil is insufficient.

Other deficiencies tend to produce different patterns: phosphorus deficiency often slows growth and can cause dark green or purplish tinges; calcium deficiency usually affects new growth with distorted leaves or blossom-end issues; potassium deficiency typically shows marginal burn or scorching and yellowing starting at the leaf edges. So the observed yellowing of the older leaves, with overall pale growth, points to nitrogen. To address it, adjust the fertilizer program to restore adequate nitrogen levels, using appropriate nitrate or ammonium sources, while avoiding excessive nitrogen that could encourage lush vegetative growth at the expense of fruiting.