Which symptom most clearly indicates iron deficiency in rhododendron?

Which symptom most clearly indicates iron deficiency in rhododendron?

• A. Severe yellowing of leaves
• B. Excessive leaf curling
• C. Dark green leaves with no chlorosis
• D. Stunted growth without color change

Answer: (A)

Iron deficiency in rhododendrons shows up as chlorosis, meaning the leaves lose their chlorophyll and turn yellow. This happens because iron becomes unavailable when soil pH is high or not acidic enough, so the plant cannot make enough chlorophyll to keep the leaves green. The telltale pattern is yellowing between the veins while the veins remain green, and this yellowing is most noticeable on new growth. Among the options, severe yellowing of leaves directly reflects this iron-controlled chlorosis, making it the clearest indicator. Other signs like leaf curling can come from drought or pests, dark green leaves with no chlorosis show adequate iron, and stunted growth without color change is non-specific and less diagnostic of iron deficiency.

Iron deficiency in rhododendrons shows up as chlorosis, meaning the leaves lose their chlorophyll and turn yellow. This happens because iron becomes unavailable when soil pH is high or not acidic enough, so the plant cannot make enough chlorophyll to keep the leaves green. The telltale pattern is yellowing between the veins while the veins remain green, and this yellowing is most noticeable on new growth. Among the options, severe yellowing of leaves directly reflects this iron-controlled chlorosis, making it the clearest indicator. Other signs like leaf curling can come from drought or pests, dark green leaves with no chlorosis show adequate iron, and stunted growth without color change is non-specific and less diagnostic of iron deficiency.