Question

In which of the following parts of the plant symptoms of deficiency of nitrogen and potassium is seen first.
a) Buds
b) Roots
c) Senescent leaves
d) Young leaves

Answer 1

The symptoms of plants having nitrogen deficiency is that the plant has poor growth and the leaves start to become more pale and yellow in color. The leaves are unable to make chlorophyll which leads to their pale color. Same symptoms are also observed when the plant faces potassium deficiency.

Complete answer:
The deficiency symptoms of nitrogen and potassium can be seen easily in the senescent leaves or the leaves that are aging. The discoloration of the leaves starts from their tips and then gradually grows to the base of the leaf. The leaves first turn into a yellow color and then turn into brown color and then ultimately die at the end. In potassium deficiency the leaves start to discolor and also, they start to curl themselves. The plant may develop small purple spots on the lower sides of the leaves. The deficiency of both the nutrients causes lower plant growth and development, even the fruit development is slow. To cure the nitrogen deficiency in the plant’s coffee grounds should be added to the soil or the nitrogenous plants like beans and peas should be added near to the deficient plant.

So, the answer is ‘senescent leaves’.

Note:
To cure the potassium deficiency of the plant one should put wood ash or banana peels in the soil as they are rich in the potassium component. Coffee grounds can also be used to treat the potassium deficiency of the plant. Coffee grounds are also helpful in curing the nitrogen deficiency of the plant.