Question

Which deficiency symptoms are found by phosphorus deficiency?
A) Fruit- yield decreases, shunted growth
B) Death of root tips, shoot apices, reduction of fruit size
C) Flowering is delayed, cell division is hindered
D) Induction of dormancy in seeds, premature fall of leaves and flower buds and fruits.

Answer 1

Nutrient plays an important role in growth and development of plants. Even a trace element can bring about big changes in plant’s growth. Phosphorus is required for synthesis of ATP as well as biosynthesis of genetic material.

Complete answer:
To answer this question, we must know about the effects of nutrient deficiency in plants.The plants are unable to absorb nutrients from the soil due to acidic or alkaline soil, water logging or dry soil. This can cause nutrient deficiencies which can lead to leaf yellowing or browning, stunted growth, poor fruiting and flowering. Essential nutrients which the plant absorbs from the soil are-Phosphorous. If a plant does not get proper phosphorus, then cell division and plant growth is impaired. This leads to stunted growth, smaller and lesser leaves, flowering is delayed.Induction of dormancy in seeds and premature fall of leaves and flower buds and fruits is caused by the absence of plant growth regulators.Death of root tips, shoot apices, reduction of fruit size is mainly due to the deficiency in potassium.

The correct answer is option (C). Phosphorus deficiency leads to hindrance in cell division and delayed flowering.

Note: Phosphorus is absorbed by the soil in the form of phosphates or mono hydrogen or dihydrogen phosphates. It is very much essential for plants as it is required in oxidative photophosphorylation and synthesis of biomolecules.