Which deficiency is characterized by visible white stripes in corn leaves?

The visible white stripes in corn leaves are primarily associated with a deficiency in zinc. Zinc is an essential micronutrient for plants, playing a critical role in various physiological functions, including the synthesis of proteins and growth regulation. When corn plants experience a zinc deficiency, the results are often seen as interveinal chlorosis, where the tissue between the veins turns yellow or white, leading to distinct striping across the leaves. This symptom can affect the plant's overall growth and yield if not addressed.

In contrast, deficiencies of other nutrients present different symptoms; for instance, iron deficiency typically leads to chlorosis in younger leaves, magnesium deficiency can cause yellowing of leaves along with curling, and sulfur deficiency often results in a uniform yellowing of younger leaves due to its role in protein synthesis and chlorophyll production. Thus, the unique manifestation of white stripes is a clear indicator that the corn is suffering from a zinc deficiency specifically.