Which micronutrient deficiency can result in reduced chlorophyll content and affect photosynthesis?

Iron deficiency is associated with reduced chlorophyll content because iron is a crucial component in the synthesis of chlorophyll molecules. Chlorophyll is vital for the process of photosynthesis, allowing plants to capture light energy and convert it into chemical energy. When iron is deficient, chlorophyll production decreases, leading to symptoms such as interveinal chlorosis, where the areas between the leaf veins turn yellow while the veins themselves remain green. This condition directly impacts the plant’s ability to photosynthesize efficiently, ultimately affecting growth and development.

While boron, calcium, and phosphorus are all essential nutrients for plant health, they play different roles that do not specifically relate to chlorophyll synthesis. Boron is important for cell wall formation and reproductive growth, calcium is vital for cellular structure and signaling, and phosphorus is crucial for energy transfer and root development. However, none of these nutrients directly influence chlorophyll content in the same way that iron does, making iron the clear choice in this context.