What is a common symptom of sulfur deficiency in plants?

A common symptom of sulfur deficiency in plants is the general yellowing and stunting of new leaves. Sulfur is essential for the synthesis of certain amino acids and proteins, which are critical for the overall growth and development of the plant. When sulfur is deficient, the younger leaves exhibit yellowing because they are unable to produce sufficient chlorophyll, which is crucial for the photosynthetic process. This yellowing typically starts at the tips of the leaves and progresses as the deficiency worsens, and the new leaves may also appear smaller than normal, reflecting stunted growth.

In contrast, the other options describe symptoms associated with different nutrient deficiencies or conditions. Wilting of older leaves is more commonly linked to water stress or other nutrient deficiencies, while prominent root development often indicates healthy nutrient availability rather than deficiency. Leaf curling and browning may indicate physiological stress due to environmental factors or other deficiencies but are not directly associated with sulfur deficiency. Understanding these symptoms is important for diagnosing nutrient issues in plants and providing appropriate corrective measures.