Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Nutrient interactions in soils and plants can be synergistic (one nutrient enhances the uptake or utilization of another) or antagonistic (one nutrient suppresses the uptake or utilization of another).
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate each statement individually:
- Statement (1): This statement is correct.
Molybdate ($\text{MoO}_4^{2-}$) and sulfate ($\text{SO}_4^{2-}$) ions are both divalent anions with similar sizes and charge characteristics.
Consequently, they compete for the same absorption sites on plant root membranes.
Applying sulfur (sulfate fertilizers) competitively inhibits and reduces the uptake of molybdenum by plants.
- Statement (2): This is incorrect.
Calcium and boron have an antagonistic relationship.
Increasing calcium concentrations helps mitigate boron toxicity by restricting boron uptake and maintaining a balanced $\text{Ca:B}$ ratio in tissues.
Therefore, boron toxicity actually *increases* when calcium levels decrease.
- Statement (3): This is incorrect.
Iron and zinc are antagonistic.
High levels of iron inhibit zinc absorption, and high zinc levels can induce iron chlorosis in plants, rather than acting synergistically.
- Statement (4): This is incorrect.
Exanthema or dieback in citrus is caused by a deficiency of copper, not excess copper.
Step 4: Final Answer:
Only statement 1 is correct, corresponding to option (A).