Which deficiency is indicated by chlorosis at the leaf margins?

Chlorosis at the leaf margins is a characteristic symptom of iron deficiency. This occurs because iron is essential for the synthesis of chlorophyll, which is crucial for the plant's ability to conduct photosynthesis. When there is insufficient iron, the plant cannot produce enough chlorophyll, leading to yellowing of the leaf tissue, particularly between the veins while the leaf veins themselves may remain green. This pattern typically appears at the leaf margins first, which is why it's specifically associated with iron deficiency.

In contrast, other nutrient deficiencies present different symptoms. For instance, phosphorus deficiency usually results in dark green or purplish leaves, while potassium deficiency may cause marginal leaf burn but not specifically correlate with chlorosis at the margins. Nitrogen deficiency typically manifests as overall yellowing (chlorosis) of older leaves rather than focusing specifically on the margins. Understanding these distinct symptoms is essential for accurate diagnosis and nutrient management in plant care.