Potassium (K) in plants
It is the essential element to maintain ionic balance in the plant cell and also to maintain turgidity of cells. It plays an important role in protein synthesis, activity of some enzymes and also in the regulation of stomatal pore size. It is absorbed in its ion form.
It activates enzymes; concentrates in meristems.
Potassium is highly mobile in plants.
Plants with adequate potassium can help them overcome drought stress and winter hardiness.
It also helps plants by increasing disease resistance and strengthening cell walls structure.
Deficiency symptoms of Potassium are:
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Shortening of internodes and stunted growth of plant
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Blackening of terminal parts of leaves
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Yellowing of leaves; yellowing of intravenous mesophyll; dead spots on older leaves and often mottled
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Leaf tips curve down
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Removal of dominance of apical buds
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Causes mottled chlorosis; chlorosis develops at tips and margins of leaves.
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Lateral buds development
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Respiratory rate increases
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Internodes become short
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Degradation of chloroplasts
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Cambial activity reduces
