Question

Name any three minerals whose deficiency causes diseases in plants. Give the symptoms of each deficiency.

Answer 1

The nutrient elements i.e. minerals are essential for the plants to grow well and complete their life-cycle properly. The minerals are divided into two main categories:

(i) Macro-Nutrients: They are required in larger concentrations and they are obtained from soil.
The three macro-nutrients (minerals) whose deficiency causes diseases in plants are:

1. Nitrogen (N) – Yellowing of leaves,wrinkling of cereal grains.
2. Phosphorus (P) – Purple and red spots on leaves, delay in seed germination.
3. Potassium (K) – Poor Growth

(ii) Micro Nutrients: They are required in small amounts and they are also obtained from soil.
The three micro-nutrients(minerals) whose deficiency causes diseases in plants are:

1. Iron (Fe) – Yellowing of Leaves.
2. Manganese (Mn) – Yellowing of leaves, with grey spots.
3. Zinc (Zn) Desphaped leaves, yellowing of leaves, stunted plant growth.