12

Learning Activity Sheet

AFA
(Agricultural Fishery Arts)
Horticulture
Quarter 3: Week 4
Horticulture – Senior High School
Learning Activity Sheet
Quarter 3 – Week 4

Republic Act 8293, section 176 states that: No copyright shall subsist in any
work of the Government of the Philippines. However, prior approval of the
government agency or office wherein the work is created shall be necessary for
exploitation of such work for profit. Such agency or office may, among other things,
impose as a condition the payment of royalties.

Borrowed materials (i.e., songs, stories, poems, pictures, photos, brand

names, trademarks, etc.) included in this Learning Activity Sheet are owned by their
respective copyright holders. Every effort has been exerted to locate and seek
permission to use these materials from their respective copyright owners. The
publisher and authors do not represent nor claim ownership over them.

Published by the Department of Education

Secretary: Leonor Magtolis Briones
Undersecretary: Diosdado M. San Antonio

Development Team of the Learning Activity Sheet

Writers: Gemma S. Calot
Editors:
Reviewers: Vinancio G. Albasin Russel Cabacang – Beduya
Ruel C. Castillo Rita A. Magpayo
Illustrator:
Layout Artist: Argie L. Ty
Management Team: Gorgonio G. Diaz Jr Crista Joy A. Torbila
Alex B. Rejuso Isagani E. Licas
Lucila R. Balondo Beatrice A. Olmedo
Anecita B. Marzol Elvira R. Ribo

Inilimbag sa Pilipinas ng ________________________

Department of Education – Division of Northern Samar – Region VIII
Office Address: Mabini St., Brgy Acacia, Catarman, Northern Samar
Telefax: (055) 500-9801
E-mail Address: [email protected]
 12
Learning Activity Sheet
AFA
(Agricultural Fishery Arts)
Horticulture
Quarter 3: Week 4
Name of Learner: _________________________________________Score_________
Grade Level: ____________Section: ______________Date: _____________________

IMPLEMENTING PLANT NUTRITION PROGRAM

I. Background Information of Learners

As discussed in Nutrient Management Module 2, Plant Nutrition and Soil Fertility (NM
2), plants require essential nutrients for normal functioning and growth. A plant’s sufficiency
range is the range of nutrient amount necessary to meet the plant’s nutritional needs and
maximize growth (Figure 1). The width of this range depends on individual plant species and
the particular nutrient. Nutrient levels outside of a plant’s sufficiency range cause overall
crop growth and health to decline due to either a deficiency or toxicity. Nutrient deficiency
occurs when an essential nutrient is not available in sufficient quantity to meet the
requirements of a growing plant. Toxicity occurs when a nutrient is in excess of plant needs
and decreases plant growth or quality. Common nutrient deficiencies are nitrogen (N) and
phosphorus (P), with some deficiencies of potassium (K), sulfur (S), boron (B), chloride (Cl),
copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn).

Figure 1. Relationship between plant growth and health and amount of nutrient available.
(Brady and Weil, 1999)
Micronutrient deficiencies are fairly uncommon with deficiencies of B, Cl, Fe and Zn
occurring most often (Nutrient Management Module 7, Micronutrients: Cycling, Testing, and
Fertilizer Recommendations; NM 7). Nutrient toxicity is less common than deficiency is
necessary to confirm nutrient stress. Precautions in identifying nutrient stress symptoms
include the following:
1. Many symptoms appear similar. For instance, N and S deficiency symptoms can be very
alike, depending upon plant growth stage and severity of deficiencies.

1
2. Multiple deficiencies and/or toxicities can occur at the same time. More than one
deficiency or toxicity can produce symptoms, or possibly an abundance of one nutrient can
induce the deficiency of another (e.g. excessive P causing Zn deficiency).
3. Crop species, and even some cultivars of the same species, differ in their ability to
adapt to nutrient deficiencies and toxicities. For example, corn is typically more
sensitive to a Zn deficiency than barley and will show Zn deficiency more clearly (NM 7).
4. Pseudo (false) deficiency symptoms (visual symptoms appearing similar to nutrient
deficiency symptoms). Potential factors causing pseudo deficiency include, but are not
limited to, disease, drought, excess water, genetic abnormalities, herbicide and pesticide
residues, insects, and soil compaction.
5. Hidden hunger. Plants may be nutrient deficient without showing visual clues.
6. Field symptoms appear different than ‘ideal’ symptoms. Many of the plants shown in
this module as photographs were grown under controlled nutrient conditions, and
deficiency/toxicity symptoms observed in the field may or may not appear as they do here.
Experience and knowledge of field history are excellent aids in determining causes for
nutrient stress.

In addition to the above precautions, visual observation is also limited by time. Between
the time a plant is nutrient deficient (hidden hunger) and visual symptoms appear, crop health
and productivity may be substantially reduced and most likely occurs as a result of over-
application of fertilizer or manure.

The three basic tools for diagnosing nutrient deficiencies and toxicities are 1) soil testing,
2) plant analysis and 3) visual observations in the field. Both soil testing (Nutrient
Management Module 1, Soil Sampling and Laboratory Selection) and plant analysis (Q & A
#1 and #2) are quantitative tests that compare soil or plant concentrations to the sufficiency
range for a particular crop. Visual observation, on the other hand, is a qualitative assessment
and is based on symptoms such as stunted growth or a yellowing of leaves occurring as a
result of nutrient stress. This module focuses on visual nutrient deficiency and toxicity
symptoms observed in common crops grown in Montana and Wyoming.

Visual Symptoms as a Diagnostic Tool

Interpreting visual nutrient deficiency and toxicity symptoms in plants can be difficult
and plant analysis or soil testing is necessary to confirm nutrient stress. Precautions in
identifying nutrient stress symptoms include the following:
1. Many symptoms appear similar. For instance, N and S deficiency symptoms can be very
alike, depending upon plant growth stage and severity of deficiencies.
2. Multiple deficiencies and/or toxicities can occur at the same time. More than one
deficiency or toxicity can produce symptoms, or possibly an abundance of one nutrient can
induce the deficiency of another (e.g. excessive P causing Zn deficiency).
3. Crop species, and even some cultivars of the same species, differ in their ability to
adapt to nutrient deficiencies and toxicities. For example, corn is typically more
sensitive to a Zn deficiency than barley and will show Zn deficiency more clearly (NM 7).
4. Pseudo (false) deficiency symptoms (visual symptoms appearing similar to nutrient
deficiency symptoms). Potential factors causing pseudo deficiency include, but are not
limited to, disease, drought, excess water, genetic abnormalities, herbicide and pesticide
residues, insects, and soil compaction.

2
5. Hidden hunger. Plants may be nutrient deficient without showing visual clues.
6. Field symptoms appear different than ‘ideal’ symptoms. Many of the plants shown in
this module as photographs were grown under controlled nutrient conditions, and
deficiency/toxicity symptoms observed in the field may or may not appear as they do here.
Experience and knowledge of field history are excellent aids in determining causes for
nutrient stress.

In addition to the above precautions, visual observation is also limited by time. Between
the time a plant is nutrient deficient (hidden hunger) and visual symptoms appear, crop health
and productivity may be substantially reduced and corrective actions may or may not be
effective. Therefore, regular soil or plant testing is recommended for the prevention and early
diagnosis of nutrient stress.
If visual symptoms are observed, record which crop(s) are affected, their location with
respect to topography, aspect, and soil conditions, a detailed description of symptoms and
time of season that the symptoms first appeared. Affected field locations can be marked and
monitored over time using either flagging or GPS readings. This information will be useful in
preventing nutrient stress in subsequent years.

Diagnosing Nutrient Deficiencies

Common Deficiency Symptoms

A first step in diagnosing nutrient deficiencies is to describe the symptoms. Each
deficiency symptom is related to some function of the nutrient in the plant (Havlin et al.,
1999). The role of each essential nutrient in the plant is listed in Table 1 of NM 2. Symptoms
caused by nutrient deficiencies are generally grouped into five categories: 1) stunted growth,
2) chlorosis, 3) interveinal chlorosis, 4) purplish-red coloring and 5) necrosis. Stunting is a
common symptom for many deficient nutrients due to their varied roles in the plant. For
example, when nutrients involved in plant functions such as stem elongation, photosynthesis,
and protein production are deficient, plant growth is typically slow and plants are small in
stature. Chlorosis and interveinal chlorosis are found in plants deficient of nutrients necessary
for photosynthesis and/or chlorophyll (green leaf pigment involved in photosynthesis)
production. Chlorosis can result in either the entire plant or leaf turning light green to yellow,
or appear more localized as white or yellow spotting. Interveinal chlorosis is illustrated in
Figure 2 and occurs when certain nutrients [B, Fe, magnesium (Mg), Mn, nickel (Ni) and Zn]
are deficient. Purplish-red discolorations in plant stems and leaves are due to above normal
levels of anthocyanin (a purple colored pigment) that can accumulate when plant functions
are disrupted or stressed. This symptom can be particularly difficult to diagnose because cool
temperatures, disease, drought and even maturation of some plants can also cause
anthocyanin to accumulate (Bennett, 1993). Certain plant cultivars may also exhibit this
purple coloring. Necrosis generally happens in later stages of a deficiency and causes the
parts of the plant first affected by the deficiency to brown and die. Since a number of nutrient
deficiencies can produce similar symptoms, further evaluation of symptoms related to
particular leaf patterns or locations on the plant are needed to diagnose nutrient specific
deficiencies.

3
 Figure 2. Interveinal chlorosis.
(Fe deficiency: Bennett, 1993)

Plant Nutrient Deficiency Terminology

Burning: severe localized yellowing; scorched appearance.

Chlorosis: general yellowing of the plant tissue; lack of chlorophyll.
Generalized: symptoms not limited to one area of a plant, but rather spread over the entire
plant.
Immobile nutrient: not able to be moved from one part of the plant to another.
Interveinal Chlorosis: yellowing in between leaf veins, yet veins remain green.
Localized: symptoms limited to one leaf or one section of the leaf or plant.

Mobile nutrient: able to be moved from one plant part to another.

Mottling: spotted, irregular, inconsistent pattern.
Necrosis: death of plant tissue; tissue browns and dies.
Stunting: decreased growth; shorter height of the affected plants

Mobile Nutrients
Nitrogen (N)
Nitrogen is needed by plants for the production of proteins, nucleic acids (DNA and RNA)
and chlorophyll. Symptoms of N deficiency are general chlorosis of lower leaves, stunted and
slow growth and necrosis of older leaves in severe cases (Figure 3). N deficient plants will mature
early and crop quality and yield are often reduced (Jones, 1998). In cereals, yellow discoloration
from the leaf tip backward in the form of a ‘V’ is common (Figure 3; Jacobsen and Jasper, 1991).

4
Insufficient amounts of N in cereals will result in few tillers, slender stalks, short heads, and grain
with low protein content. Leaf curling and small tubers are common in potatoes deficient of N.
Fields deficient in N can be either uniform or patchy in appearance, depending on the cause of the
deficiency. For example, fertilizer application ‘misses’ will result in uniform strips of deficiency,
whereas N deficiency as a result of soil characteristics such as organic matter content will be
patchy (Figure 4).

Figure 4. Uniform distribution of N deficiency symptoms as a result of fertilizer

application ‘misses.’ Photo by Ryan Stoffregen/Courtesy of International Plant
Nutrition Institute.

Potassium (K)
Potassium is utilized by plants in the activation of enzymes, photosynthesis, protein
formation and sugar transport. K deficiency does not immediately result in visible symptoms
(hidden hunger). Initially, there is only a reduction in growth rate, with chlorosis and necrosis
occurring in later stages (Mengel and Kirkby, 2001). Affected older leaves will show
localized Phosphorus (P)

Plants require P for the development of ATP (energy), sugars and nucleic acids. Cool
soils during the early growing season may be a factor causing P deficiency. P deficiency
symptoms are usually more noticeable in young plants, which have a greater relative demand
for P than more mature plants (Grundon, 1987). P deficient plants generally turn dark green
(both leaves and stems) and appear stunted (Figure 5). Older leaves are affected first and may
acquire a purplish discoloration due to the accumulation of sugars which favors anthocyanin
synthesis; in some cases, leaf tips will brown and die (Figure 6). Plants suffering from P
deficiency appear weak and maturity is delayed.

5
 Mottled or chlorotic areas with leaf burn at margins (Figure 7). Chlorotic symptoms
typically begin on the leaf tip, but unlike the ‘V’ effect caused by N deficiency, K deficient
chlorosis will advance along the leaf margins towards the base, usually leaving the midrib
alive and green. As the deficiency progresses, the entire leaf will yellow. Small white or
yellow necrotic spots may also develop, beginning along leaf margins (Figure 8).

Chloride (Cl)
Chloride is required by the plant for leaf turgor and photosynthesis. Until recently,
little information was documented on Cl deficiencies, as symptoms were often misdiagnosed
as physiological leaf spot. However, more recent studies have shown Cl deficiencies to exist
in Montana, with visual symptoms observed in winter wheat and durum wheat cultivars
(Engel et al., 1998; Engel et al., 2001). Plants with insufficient Cl show chlorotic and necrotic
spotting along leaves with abrupt boundaries between dead and live tissue (Figure 9). Wilting
of leaves at margins and highly branched root systems are also typical Cl deficient symptoms,
found mainly in cereal crops (Mengel and Kirkby, 2001). Cl deficiencies are highly cultivar
specific and can be easily mistaken for leaf diseases.

6
 Figure 9. Cl deficiency in hydroponically grown
WB881 durum wheat. (Engel et al., 2001)

Magnesium is the central molecule in chlorophyll and is an important co-factor for the
production of ATP. Mg deficiencies are not common, as Mg concentrations are sufficient in most
Montana and Wyoming soils. Symptoms of Mg deficiency include interveinal chlorosis and leaf
margins becoming yellow or reddish-purple while the midrib remains green. In wheat, distinct
mottling Magnesium (Mg)

Molybdenum (Mo)

Molybdenum is needed for enzyme activity in the plant and for nitrogen fixation in
legumes. Due to this interrelationship, Mo deficiency symptoms often resemble N deficiency
symptoms with stunted growth and chlorosis occurring in legumes. Other symptoms of Mo
deficiency include pale leaves that may be scorched, cupped, or rolled. Leaves may also
appear thick or brittle, and will eventually wither, leaving only the midrib.

II. Learning Competency with Code

Implementing a Plant Nutrition Program
LO1. Prepare for Implementation of the plant nutrition program
TLE-AFAHCT9-12IPN-Ia-b-38

• Macro and microelements in the soil

• Plant needs and soil nutrient deficiencies
• Soil and plant treatments

III. General Directions/Instructions

1. Read and understand all the directions of the proceeding activities.

2. Perform all the tasks as directed.
3. Always observe precautionary measures.

7
IV. Exercises/Activities
Explore

WORD HUNT

Direction: Look for the different terms related to plant nutrient deficiencies. Encircle
the correct answers.
A S D F G H J K L P O G
F Q W E R T Y I A S E T
C H L O R O S I S A N D
G Z I M N E T O T I K L
H I E D E R N B U G I S
J G S E E M E U N E D O
K Z I N B I C R T N I F
L A G E O N R N I D E R
O G E G L E O I N A R E
P M O T T L S N G R T M
I E M G I O I G E T I I
U N A O N T S P R O P N

Learn
MATCH ME
Given are the different pictures that shows with plant nutrient deficiencies in Column
A. Match its signs and symptoms in Column B. Write only the letter of your answer in
the space provided below.
Column A Column B

1. a. Chlorosis

b. Mottling
2.

8
 c. Necrosis
3.

d. Phosphorus
4.

5.
e. Burning

1.___
2.___
3.___
4.___
5.___

Engage

Find a solution for plant nutrient deficiency in the picture. Please indicate your answer
in the space provided below.

_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

9
Apply
Task Sheet with Rubric
Procedure. Look for plants that shows nutrient deficiency and identify its signs and
symptoms.
Observe proper health protocol while performing the activity.

TASK SHEET
Title: Undertake Plant Nutrient Program
Performance Objective: Given the necessary material, you should be able to determine the
plant nutrient deficiencies, its signs and symptoms, and appropriate soil and plant treatments.
Material: corn leaf
Procedure:
1. Collect a corn leaf with nutrient deficiencies.
2. Identify the signs and symptoms of its nutrient deficiencies.
3. Determine the soil and plant treatment.

Note: Observe preventive measures.

Assessment Method: Demonstration

V. Guide Questions:
1.Why do you need to identify the plant nutrient deficiencies?
2. How will you determine that the plant has nutrient deficiency?
3. How will you treat the plant nutrient deficiencies?

VI. Rubric
Rubric for Task Sheet on Plant Nutrient Deficiency Identification
Criteria Rating
1. Collected a corn leaf with nutrient 5 4 3 2 1
deficiencies.
2. Identified the signs and symptoms of its 5 4 3 2 1
nutrient deficiencies.
3. Determined the soil and plant treatment. 5 4 3 2 1

VII. Reflection
The best thing that I learned from the lesson is______________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________

10
VIII. References:
Nutrient Deficiencies and Toxicities in Crop Plants. Bennett, W.F. (ed). 1993. St. Paul,
Minn. APS Press. 202 p.

The Nature and Properties of Soil. Brady, N.C., and R.R. Weil. 2002. Upper Saddle River,
N.J. Prentice Hall, Inc. 690 p.

A chloride deficient leaf spot of WB881 Durum. Soil Sci. Engel, R, L.J. Bruebaker, and T.J.
Ornberg. 2001. Soc. Am. J. 65:1448-1454.

K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum, Junior High School Technology and Livelihood

Education and Senior High School-Technical-Vocational Livelihood Track, Agri-
Fishery Arts-Horticulture NC III, p. 21.

11
IX. Answer Keys

Activity on Engage, answers of the learners may vary.

Activity to apply, the learners will be rated according to rubric

Key answer to Match Me

1. c
2. d
3. e
4. a
5. b

12
Direction: Multiple Choice. Answer the questions that follows. Encircle the letter of the
correct answer.

1. It is general yellowing of the plant tissue and lack of chlorophyll.

a. Chlorosis b. Burning
c. Mottling d. Localized

2. What is a nutrient deficiency of plant which causes severe localized yellowing, with scorched
appearance?
a. Immobile nutrient b. Chlorosis
c. Burning d. Generalized

3. It decreased the growth and shorter height of the plant.

a. Interveinal Chlorosis b. Stunting
c. Necrosis d. Mobile Nutrient

4. What is a plant nutrient deficiency where the plant tissue turns into brown that causes the
death of plant?
a. Mottling c. Burning
b. Chlorosis d. Necrosis

5. It is a plant nutrient deficiency where symptoms are limited to one leaf or one section of
the leaf or plant.
a. Localized c. Mobile nutrient
b. Immobile nutrient d. Interveinal Chlorosis

6. What is needed by plants for the production of proteins, nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) and
chlorophyll?
a. Nitrogen c. Potassium
b. Chloride d. Phosphorus

7. It is utilized by plants in the activation of enzymes, photosynthesis, protein formation and

sugar transport.
a. Molybdenum c. Nitrogen
b. Potassium d. Potassium

8. What is nutrient required by the plant for leaf turgor and photosynthesis?
a. Phosphorus c. Molybdenum
b. Potassium d. Chloride

9. Plants require ______________ for the development of ATP (energy), sugars and nucleic
acids.
a. Chloride c. Phosphorus
b. Nitrogen d. Molybdenum

13
10. Molybdenum is needed for enzyme activity in the plant and for nitrogen fixation in
legumes.
a. Potassium c. Nitrogen
b. Molybdenum d. Chloride

Para sa mga katanungan o puna, sumulat o tumawag sa:

Department of Education-Bureau of Learning Resources (DepEd-BLR)

Division of Northern Samar
Office Address: Mabini St., Brgy Acacia, Catarman, Northern Samar
Telefax: (055) 500-9801
E-mail Address: [email protected]

14