What is iron chlorosis characterized by?

Iron chlorosis is primarily characterized by yellowing of leaf tissue while the veins remain green. This occurs due to insufficient iron in the plant, which is essential for chlorophyll production. In this condition, the leaves display a typical pattern where the interveinal areas—those parts between the veins—lose their green color, leading to a pronounced contrast between the yellow tissue and the green veins. This visual cue is critical for diagnosing iron chlorosis in plants.

The other choices describe symptoms related to different plant stress conditions or diseases. Dark spots on foliage can indicate fungal infections or other types of damage, wilting and stunted growth may arise from issues such as water stress or root diseases, and blighting of leaf edges is often related to environmental stresses or pest damage. Understanding these distinctions helps in accurate identification and management of plant health issues.