Q: In sustainable horticulture, which micronutrient deficiency in soil most commonly leads to interveinal chlorosis in leafy crops, a concern for indigenous farmers in arid regions?

Sat, 02 May 2026 20:03:05 +0000

The Most Common Micronutrient Deficiency Causing Interveinal Chlorosis in Leafy Crops of Arid-Region Indigenous Farming In sustainable horticulture, maintaining healthy, vibrant leafy crops is vital—especially for indigenous farming communities in arid regions, where resource limitations and shifting soil conditions challenge crop productivity. One of the most frequent physiological disorders observed in these environments is interveinal chlorosis, a visible sign of poor chlorophyll development affecting the leaf tissue between the veins. Among various potential causes, the most common and impactful micronutrient deficiency linked to this condition is iron (Fe) deficiency. ### Why Iron Deficiency Triggers Interveinal Chlorosis Interveinal chlorosis—where leaf veins remain green but the tissue between them turns yellow—is a classic visual symptom of iron deficiency in leafy crops such as spinach, kale, lettuce, and amaranth. This disorder occurs primarily because iron plays a crucial role in the synthesis of chlorophyll, the molecule responsible for photosynthesis. Without sufficient iron, plants cannot produce adequate chlorophyll, especially in new or expanding leaves, resulting in the characteristic yellowing pattern.