What happens if a plant does not receive enough potassium?

When a plant does not receive enough potassium, it significantly affects its overall health and productivity. Potassium is an essential nutrient that plays a critical role in various physiological processes, including photosynthesis, water regulation, and enzyme activation. Its absence leads to what is known as potassium deficiency.

One of the foremost symptoms of potassium deficiency is poor flower and fruit growth. This occurs because potassium is vital for the development of flowers and the cultivation of fruits, influencing their size, quality, and quantity. Without adequate potassium, plants may produce fewer flowers and fruits or the fruits may not develop properly.

Additionally, older leaves may start to wilt and display chlorosis, which means they turn yellow due to a lack of chlorophyll. This wilting is a direct result of the impaired ability of the plant to manage water efficiently, as potassium is crucial for the opening and closing of stomata—pores on leaves that regulate water loss and gas exchange.

Overall, the lack of potassium leads to visible signs of stress in the plant, particularly affecting its reproductive structures and older foliage, making this option the correct choice in understanding the consequences of potassium deficiency in plants.