Red Seal Landscape Horticulturist Practice Exam

What are signs of nutrient deficiency in plants?

1. Brown tips on leaves

2. Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and poor flowering

3. Wilting and dropping leaves

4. Pests on leaves

The correct answer is: Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and poor flowering

Signs of nutrient deficiency in plants can manifest in various ways, and option B outlines several key indicators that are commonly associated with inadequate nutrient availability. Yellowing leaves, known as chlorosis, is often a symptom of nitrogen deficiency, where the plant is unable to produce sufficient chlorophyll for photosynthesis. Stunted growth can result from a lack of essential nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium, which play critical roles in the plant's development and overall health. Additionally, poor flowering can occur when a plant lacks nutrients necessary for reproductive growth, further emphasizing the importance of adequate nutrition for healthy blooming. The other signs mentioned in the remaining options, while they can indicate issues affecting plant health, are not specifically tied to nutrient deficiencies. For instance, brown tips on leaves can be related to environmental stress, such as insufficient watering or excessive salinity. Wilting and dropping leaves are typically signs of water-related stress or pest issues rather than a direct indication of nutrient deficiency. Lastly, the presence of pests on leaves points more toward a pest management issue than a nutritional one. Thus, option B encompasses a broad range of signs that distinctly highlight the effects of nutrient deficiency in plants.