When a plant shows yellowing of leaves and stunted growth, the plant is deficient in

Step 1: Analyze the question The symptoms are yellowing of leaves (chlorosis) and stunted growth. We need to find which listed mineral, when lacking, causes both.

Step 2: Concept Plants need mineral elements for chlorophyll formation and growth. Common deficiency symptoms:

• Nitrogen: general yellowing, stunted growth (not listed)
• Magnesium: yellowing between veins
• Iron: chlorosis, especially in young leaves, because iron is needed to make chlorophyll. Growth is also poor.
• Copper: dieback of shoot tips, wilting
• Manganese: chlorosis with dead spots on leaves
• Zinc: little leaf, shortened internodes (rosetting), stunted growth with some chlorosis
• Silicon: not an essential element for most plants

Step 3: Eliminate the options

• D (silicon) is not an essential nutrient, so it is out.
• A (copper) mainly causes dieback and wilting.
• C (manganese) causes chlorosis with necrotic spots.
• E (zinc) mainly causes small leaves and shortened internodes.
• B (iron) is the classic textbook mineral linked to chlorosis (yellowing of leaves) and poor growth, because it is required for chlorophyll synthesis.

Step 4: Honest note Strictly speaking, several of these micronutrients can cause yellowing and stunting (zinc and manganese especially), so the question is loosely worded.

Answer: B (iron)

Exam tip: For Nigerian exams, remember: Iron and magnesium → chlorosis (chlorophyll), nitrogen → general yellowing and stunting, calcium → poor root and shoot tips, phosphorus → poor root development. If nitrogen or magnesium isn't among the options, iron is usually the intended choice for yellow leaves.