What is the indication of yellowing leaves shaped like a "V"?

The indication of yellowing leaves shaped like a "V" is most commonly associated with magnesium deficiency. When a plant is lacking magnesium, the leaves often display interveinal chlorosis, where the tissue between the veins becomes yellow while the veins themselves remain green. In addition, magnesium deficiency can lead to leaf curling, and the specific 'V' shape arises as the leaf edges begin to yellow and die back.

Magnesium plays a crucial role in photosynthesis as it is a central component of chlorophyll. Without adequate magnesium, plants struggle to produce chlorophyll effectively, resulting in the characteristic yellowing. This nutrient is particularly important for plants that require high levels of energy for growth, and symptoms may become more pronounced as the plants mature or when they are experiencing stress.

The other nutrient deficiencies present different symptoms. Iron deficiency usually manifests as chlorosis starting from the young leaves and progressing outward, which does not typically lead to a 'V' shape. Nitrogen deficiency leads to overall yellowing and stunted growth while sulfur deficiency often causes yellowing of younger leaves and more uniform symptoms rather than a distinct “V” shape. Understanding the precise symptoms associated with each nutrient deficiency helps in accurate diagnosis and treatment.