Oasis Agri Prescription Blended Trace Elements Nutrients and Functions – Part 10: Zinc

ZINC (Zn)

Functions in Plants and Soil:

  • Enzyme Activation:

Zinc acts as a co-factor for various enzymes. It can assist with enzyme structure, enzyme activation and as a helper in initiating catalytic reactions. Some of the enzymes dependent on zinc assist with carbohydrate metabolism and photosynthesis.

  • Hormone Synthesis:

Zinc serves as a cofactor for enzymes involved in synthesizing the amino acid tryptophan, which is the precursor to auxin.

  • Cell Structure:

Zinc functions in plant cell structure by serving as a structural component in proteins.

  • Metabolic Processes:

Zinc functions in plant metabolism by acting as a cofactor for many enzymes, regulating gene expression, synthesizing the growth hormone auxin, and protecting membranes. It is crucial for photosynthesis, protein synthesis and carbohydrate metabolism.

  • Stress Tolerance:

Zinc helps reduce the accumulation of damaging reactive oxygen species (ROS) by activating antioxidant enzymes.

  • Plant Reproduction:

It plays a significant role in pollen formation, seed production, and the maturation of seeds and stalks.

Deficiency Symptoms in Plants:

Note: Deficiency symptoms can present differently depending on the crop species

Zinc is an immobile plant nutrient. Symptoms therefore can typically occur in the younger leaves.

  • Plant Growth:
    • Stunted growth (small plants with small leaves).
    • Rosetting of internodes.
  • Leaf Symptoms:
    • Interveinal chlorosis, especially in younger leaves.
    • Small or narrow leaves.
    • Distorted leaf shape.
    • Discolouration of leaves, bronzing or purpling, in some plant species.
  • Flowers and Fruit:
    • Delayed or failed blooming of flowers.
    • Poor fruit set with compromised quality.
  • Roots:
    • Underdeveloped root system.
  • Crop Specific:
    • Maize:
      • Broad, whitish-yellow stripes running parallel to the midrib on the upper leaves.
      • Reddish-brown spots can develop in severe cases.
    • Soya
      • Interveinal yellowing, which can develop into a bronze or rusty color over time.
      • Interveinal mottling.

 

Oasis Agri formulates prescription blends of essential trace elements, based on soil and leaf analysis results. These blends are available in both granular form and as water-soluble powders, providing a unique solution to addressing trace element deficiency in soils.

Contact info@oasis-agri.com for more information.

Posted in Information