Copper deficiency is commonly associated with which symptom?

• A. Interveinal chlorosis on young leaves
• B. Soft tissue becoming brittle
• C. Pale new growth
• D. Leaf curling

Answer: (D)

Copper deficiency hits the new growth first and distorts it, so curling or cupping of the young leaves is a hallmark symptom. This happens because copper is necessary for enzymes involved in lignin formation and proper cell wall strength; without it, developing tissues can’t expand normally and leaves turn inwards or curl at the margins. You’ll often see these curling leaves before other signs appear, since copper moves slowly within the plant and new tissue is most affected.

Other symptoms listed are more typical of different micronutrient issues. Interveinal chlorosis on young leaves points to iron or zinc deficiency, pale new growth is a common sign of iron deficiency, and soft, brittle tissue isn’t the characteristic copper-deficiency pattern.