What sign of magnesium deficiency can be seen in corn?

Magnesium deficiency in corn is characterized by yellowing, particularly between the leaf veins, which creates a distinct interveinal striping effect. This symptom occurs because magnesium is a key component of chlorophyll, the green pigment essential for photosynthesis. When the plant lacks sufficient magnesium, chlorophyll production is affected, leading to the yellowing of tissue while the veins remain green. This pattern of yellow to white interveinal striping helps identify magnesium deficiency specifically.

Other signs, such as dramatic shortening of leaves, extreme wilting, or brittleness in stalks, can indicate different nutrient deficiencies or environmental stresses but are not indicative of magnesium deficiency in corn. Each of those symptoms can be associated with issues such as nitrogen deficiency, water stress, or other structural problems rather than the specific interveinal chlorosis caused by inadequate magnesium levels. Understanding these symptoms is critical for diagnosing and managing nutrient deficiencies effectively in corn crops.