Which condition is indicated by browning or scorching leaf margins and premature leaf drop?

Which condition is indicated by browning or scorching leaf margins and premature leaf drop?

• A. Potassium deficiency
• B. Iron deficiency
• C. Nitrogen deficiency
• D. Magnesium deficiency

Answer: (A)

Potassium deficiency is suggested by the pattern of leaf margins browning or scorching and leaves dropping prematurely. Potassium is mobile in the plant, so when the supply is low, the plant moves potassium from older leaves to support new growth. This causes the older leaves to show marginal scorch and browning first, and as the deficiency deepens, the foliage can dry out and fall earlier than normal. Iron deficiency typically shows interveinal yellowing in new growth, nitrogen deficiency causes general yellowing and stunting of older leaves, and magnesium deficiency often presents as interveinal yellowing on older leaves with potential browning, but not the characteristic marginal scorch and early leaf drop seen with potassium deficiency.

Potassium deficiency is suggested by the pattern of leaf margins browning or scorching and leaves dropping prematurely. Potassium is mobile in the plant, so when the supply is low, the plant moves potassium from older leaves to support new growth. This causes the older leaves to show marginal scorch and browning first, and as the deficiency deepens, the foliage can dry out and fall earlier than normal. Iron deficiency typically shows interveinal yellowing in new growth, nitrogen deficiency causes general yellowing and stunting of older leaves, and magnesium deficiency often presents as interveinal yellowing on older leaves with potential browning, but not the characteristic marginal scorch and early leaf drop seen with potassium deficiency.