A light-green color on the larger leaves near the center of the plant is the first apparent symptom. As chlorosis becomes more intense, small pits develop between the veins on the upper surface of the blades. The small pits enlarge in an irregular pattern as more tissue collapses. The entire area between the veins gradually becomes dry, leaving the primary veins prominently outlined, turgid, and green. Finally, the blades wither, cupping upwardly, with the petioles remaining upright.

Sugar beet seedlings require zinc from an external medium almost immediately after germination. Seedlings transferred to zinc-free solutions will develop deficiency symptoms, even before the cotyledons have been fully formed, or the first true leaves appear. Apparently, the zinc supply of the seed is just sufficient for germination and starting growth, but no more. Thereafter, the seedling must absorb zinc from the soil if zinc deficiency is to be avoided. In general, the sugar beet appears to be a very good "forager" for zinc. For instance, it will show no symptoms even in soils where plants such as corn and beans develop symptoms of zinc deficiency.