Plant Nutrients

ZINC (ZN)

Panashe H Nyika M241036Z

Introduction to Zinc as a nutrient

Zinc in Plants
 Zinc (Zn) is a micronutrient that plays a crucial role in various cellular and physiological
functions within plants.
 It is the second most abundant transition element after iron in living organisms.
*Functions of Zinc:
 Structural Role: Zn serves as a structural component in numerous proteins and enzymes.
1.Catalytic Role: It participates in essential enzymatic reactions, including those involving alcohol
dehydrogenase, carbonic anhydrase, and superoxide dismutase.
2.Regulatory Role: Zn is involved in gene expression, RNA polymerase activity, and other regulatory
processes.
3.Metabolic Processes: It influences nitrogen metabolism, protein synthesis,
nucleotide formation, and carbohydrate metabolism.
4.Pollen Development: Zn contributes to pollen development and fertility.
5.Antioxidant Defense: Zn helps increase antioxidant levels in plants.
Importances of Zinc to Plants

 Protein Synthesis: Zinc is a key component of many proteins and enzymes.

 Growth Hormone Production: It contributes to growth hormone production
and internode elongation.
 Chlorophyll Formation: Zinc is used in the formation of chlorophyll.
 Carbohydrate Conversion: It aids in the conversion of starches to sugars.
 Cold Resistance: Zinc helps plant tissue withstand cold temperatures
Zinc Excessive Effects :

1. Reduced Growth: High levels of zinc can hinder plant growth. It interferes with essential
metabolic processes, leading to stunted development.
2. Photosynthetic and Respiratory Rate Reduction: Excess zinc negatively impacts photosynthesis
and respiration. These vital processes become less efficient, affecting overall plant health.
3. Imbalanced Mineral Nutrition: Zinc toxicity disrupts the balance of other essential nutrients. It
can interfere with the uptake and utilization of minerals like iron, manganese, and copper.
4. Enhanced Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) Generation: ROS are harmful molecules produced
during stress. Excessive zinc triggers their formation, causing oxidative damage to plant cells.
5. Membrane Lipid Peroxidation: High zinc levels encourage lipid peroxidation in cell membranes.
This damages cell integrity and function.
6. Chlorosis and Leaf Necrosis: Zinc toxicity often manifests as yellowing of leaves (chlorosis) and
necrotic leaf tips.
7. Curling of Leaves: Curled leaves are a common symptom of zinc stress in plants.
Deficiency Symptoms of Zinc to Plants

1.Chlorosis:
 Leaves turn yellow, often between the veins.
 In some species, young leaves are most affected, while in others, both old and new leaves exhibit
chlorosis.
2.Necrotic Spots:
 Occur as death of leaf tissue in areas where chlorosis is present.
3.Bronzing of Leaves:
 Chlorotic areas may turn bronze-colored.
4.Rosetting of Leaves:
 Zinc-deficient dicotyledons often have shortened internodes, causing leaves to cluster on the stem.
5.Stunted Growth:
 Reduced growth or shorter internode elongation leads to smaller plants.
 Dwarf Leaves (‘Little Leaf’):
 Leaves become smaller and often show chlorosis, necrotic spots, or bronzing.
Treatment for Zinc Deficiency

1.Quick Fix with Foliar Spray:

 While waiting for soil test results, you can apply a quick fix by spraying the plant with either of the following:
 Kelp extract: Contains trace elements, including zinc.
 Micro-nutrient foliar spray with zinc.
 Don’t worry about an overdose; plants tolerate high zinc levels well.
 Foliar sprays provide zinc where it’s needed most, and you’ll witness remarkable recovery.
2.Soil Amendment:
 Once you receive soil test results:
 Chelated Zinc: Work chelated zinc into the soil based on recommendations.
 Organic Matter: Add compost or other organic matter to sandy soil to enhance zinc management.
 Reduce High-Phosphorus Fertilizers: High-phosphorus fertilizers decrease zinc availability to plants.
3.Flushing with pH Water:
 Flushing the growing medium with pH-adjusted water helps improve zinc absorption.
 Ideal pH range for most plants: 6.0 to 7.0 (plants absorb zinc more easily in lower pH ranges).