Question

Apcial bud death and poor growth occurs because of

• A. Mg deficiency
• B. Mo deficiency
• C. Zn deficiency
• D. B deficiency

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

B deficiency

In plants with poor boron mobility, boron deficiency results in necrosis of meristematic tissues in the growing region, leading to loss of apical dominance (due to apical bud death) and the development of a rosette condition. These deficiency symptoms are similar to those caused by calcium deficiency. In plants in which boron is readily transported in the phloem, the deficiency symptoms localize in the mature tissues, similar to those of nitrogen and potassium.

Both the pith and the epidermis of stems may be affected, often resulting in hollow or roughened stems along with necrotic spots on the fruit. The leaf blades develop a pronounced crinkling and there is a darkening and crackling of the petioles often with exudation of syrupy material from the leaf blade. The leaves are unusually brittle and tend to break easily. These symptoms lead to generally poor growth.