Zinc is used by plants to regulate growth and produce energy.
Zinc is a micronutrient, with plants usually taking up only half a pound per acre. Zinc deficiencies were first identified in Florida crops in 1927. Since that time, scientists have learned zinc availability is crucial to regulating plant growth, synthesizing protein, and producing energy, as well as assisting other functions. Most soil has enough zinc, but the ability of plants to use the zinc is the main deficiency concern. Problems with low zinc levels include delayed maturity, stunted leaf growth and chlorosis.
Growth Regulation
Zinc is required in the formation of auxins, a substance that promotes growth within plants. A common indicator of zinc deficiency is a shortened distance between the growing nodes of plants compared to healthy plants. When there is an insufficient amount of zinc in the plant, one of the compounds needed to make auxin is reduced, resulting in less auxin and stunted growth.
Protein Synthesis
Zinc activates enzymes in plant protein synthesis. It also helps stabilize the structure of RNA and DNA, which in turn assist in synthesizing protein. Without sufficient zinc, protein does not metabolize at a high enough rate to produce a plant with normal features.
Energy Production
Zinc is required in most plants when forming chlorophyll and carbohydrates. In citrus, a sign of zinc deficiency is mottle leaf, yellow chlorotic areas between leaf veins. In field crops, an indicator of too little zinc is a yellowing of tissue on lower leaves and younger leaves turning yellow or brown between the leaf veins.
Other Effects
In addition to its major roles in plant development, zinc plays a part in other areas of plant growth. Zinc is necessary in the creation of many seeds, correct root development, starch formation, and the maturation time and yields of various foods. Zinc deficiency has been pinpointed as the cause of some major citrus crop losses. Identifying and treating zinc deficiency has led to some impressive agricultural successes. In a zinc deficient area of west Texas, proper zinc treatment led to an increase in pecan production from 200,000 lbs. to 12 million lbs. over a 35-year study, according to the "Handbook of Plant Production."
Tags: between leaf, between leaf veins, leaf veins, plant growth, synthesizing protein, zinc deficiency, Zinc required
