Poor growth and yellowing of leaves in plants is due to deficiency of

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks which mineral deficiency causes poor growth together with yellowing of leaves (chlorosis).

Step 2: Concept Chlorophyll needs certain mineral elements to form. Without them, leaves turn yellow (chlorosis) and growth is stunted. The key elements are:

• Nitrogen: a component of chlorophyll and proteins. Deficiency causes general yellowing, starting with older leaves.
• Magnesium: the central atom of the chlorophyll molecule. Deficiency causes yellowing between the veins.
• Iron: needed to synthesize chlorophyll (though it is not part of the molecule). Deficiency causes yellowing, especially in young leaves, and poor growth.

Step 3: Check the options

• A. Boron: deficiency affects growing points and causes death of shoot tips and poor fruit and seed formation. It is not mainly linked to yellowing.
• B. Calcium: deficiency causes stunted roots, distorted young leaves and weak cell walls.
• C. Copper: deficiency causes dieback and withered tips. It is less commonly tested for chlorosis.
• D. Iron: deficiency causes chlorosis (yellowing of leaves) and poor growth because chlorophyll cannot be made properly. This fits.
• E. Phosphorus: deficiency causes stunted growth and purplish or dark-green leaves, not typical yellowing.

Step 4: Answer

Tip: Remember "N, Mg, Fe" for chlorosis, since all three are needed for chlorophyll. Phosphorus problems give purple leaves and poor roots. Boron problems affect shoot tips and reproduction.