To determine which statements regarding mineral nutrition in plants are correct, let's analyze each statement step by step:
### Step 1: Analyze Statement I
**Statement I:** The deficiency of any element can cause multiple symptoms.
- **Explanation:** This statement is true. A deficiency in a single nutrient can lead to various physiological and morphological changes in plants, as different processes and functions are affected.
### Step 2: Analyze Statement II
**Statement II:** Same symptoms may be caused by the deficiency of one of several different elements.
- **Explanation:** This statement is also true. For example, chlorosis (yellowing of leaves) can occur due to deficiencies in nitrogen, magnesium, iron, and other elements. Thus, multiple deficiencies can lead to the same symptom.
### Step 3: Analyze Statement III
**Statement III:** The concentration of the essential element below which plant growth is retarded is termed as critical concentration.
- **Explanation:** This statement is correct. The term "critical concentration" refers to the minimum concentration of a nutrient required for normal plant growth. Below this level, growth is adversely affected.
### Step 4: Analyze Statement IV
**Statement IV:** Chlorosis is the loss of chlorophyll due to deficiency of N, K, Mg, Fe, S, Mn, Zn, Mo.
- **Explanation:** This statement is true. Chlorosis is indeed associated with deficiencies in several nutrients, including those listed. It reflects the inability of the plant to produce sufficient chlorophyll.
### Step 5: Analyze Statement V
**Statement V:** Different plants respond differently to the deficiency of the same element.
- **Explanation:** This statement is also true. Different species of plants or even different varieties within the same species can exhibit varying responses to nutrient deficiencies, depending on their genetic makeup and adaptability.
### Conclusion
After analyzing all five statements, we find that all of them are correct. Therefore, the correct answer is that all statements are valid.
### Final Answer
All statements (I, II, III, IV, V) are correct.
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