micronutrients Flashcards
essential elements required by plants in small amounts, crucial for growth and development, including photosynthesis and enzyme activation.
micronutrients for plants
Why are micronutrients important for plants?
They support key functions like photosynthesis, enzyme activation, and overall plant health, helping with growth, disease resistance, and nutrient metabolism.
What happens if a plant is deficient in micronutrients?
Deficiency can lead to poor growth, stunted development, yellowing leaves, weak stems, poor fruit yield, and increased susceptibility to diseases.
essential for cell wall formation, sugar transport, and carbohydrate metabolism.
boron (B)
What are the symptoms of boron deficiency in plants?
Symptoms include brittle leaves, poor root development, and reduced flower formation.
crucial for chlorophyll synthesis, energy transfer, enzyme activation, and respiration.
iron (Fe) in plants
What are the symptoms of iron deficiency in plants?
Symptoms include interveinal chlorosis (yellowing between leaf veins) and poor growth.
important for photosynthesis, enzyme activation, nitrogen metabolism, and carbohydrate breakdown.
manganese (Mn) in plants
What are the symptoms of manganese deficiency in plants?
Symptoms include pale young leaves, delayed maturity, and reduced resistance to diseases.
involved in enzyme function, protein synthesis, hormone production, and affects leaf expansion and stem elongation.
zinc (Zn) in plants
What are the symptoms of zinc deficiency in plants?
Symptoms include stunted growth, small leaves, and distorted leaf margins.
plays a role in photosynthesis, protein metabolism, reproductive growth, and lignin synthesis.
copper (Cu) in plants
What are the symptoms of copper deficiency in plants?
Symptoms include wilting, delayed flowering, and leaf curling.
is needed for nitrogen fixation, enzyme activation, and the conversion of nitrate into usable forms.
molybdenum (Mo) in plants
What are the symptoms of molybdenum deficiency in plants?
Symptoms include yellowing of older leaves, reduced fruit setting, and poor nitrogen utilization.
regulates osmosis, ionic balance, and supports photosynthesis by facilitating water-splitting reactions.
CHLORINE (Cl)
What are the symptoms of chlorine deficiency in plants?
Symptoms include wilting, leaf spotting, and restricted root growth.
What are the effects of micronutrient deficiencies in plants?
Deficiencies cause poor growth, reduced photosynthesis, lower disease resistance, and decreased crop yield and quality.
How do micronutrient deficiencies affect plant growth?
Plants may become stunted, have weak stems, and produce small leaves.
How do micronutrient deficiencies impact photosynthesis?
Deficiencies can lead to yellowing (chlorosis) due to impaired chlorophyll production, reducing photosynthesis.
What happens to a plant’s disease resistance with micronutrient deficiencies?
Weakened plants become more susceptible to infections and pests due to nutrient imbalances.
How do micronutrient deficiencies affect crop yield and quality?
Deficiencies lead to poor fruit formation, delayed maturity, and poor overall crop quality.
What are some natural sources of micronutrients for plants?
Organic matter decomposition and the weathering of soil minerals release essential trace elements.
How are micronutrients applied to plants?
Micronutrient fertilizers (like zinc sulfate or boric acid) and foliar sprays ensure quick absorption, especially when root uptake is limited.
How do soil amendments help with micronutrient application?
Adjusting soil pH enhances nutrient availability, and organic compost/biofertilizers improve soil health and micronutrient content.
How does organic matter help with micronutrient availability?
Decomposing organic matter releases essential micronutrients into the soil, enhancing nutrient uptake.
How does soil pH affect micronutrient availability?
Soil pH adjustments help increase the availability of certain micronutrients (e.g., acidic soils improve molybdenum uptake, while alkaline soils improve iron uptake).
Why are micronutrients critical for plant productivity?
Micronutrients support vital processes like photosynthesis, enzyme activation, and disease resistance, ensuring healthy growth and optimal yields.
What are the methods of applying micronutrients to plants?
Methods include applying fertilizers, foliar sprays, soil amendments, and managing pH for better nutrient uptake.
How do micronutrients affect photosynthesis in plants?
Micronutrients like iron and manganese are crucial for chlorophyll production and photosynthesis efficiency.
How do micronutrients affect a plant’s disease resistance?
Micronutrients help strengthen plant cell walls and improve immune responses, increasing disease resistance.
How does manganese assist in nitrogen metabolism?
Manganese is involved in nitrogen metabolism and helps in the conversion of nitrogen into usable forms.
What impact does molybdenum deficiency have on plants?
Molybdenum deficiency can reduce fruit setting and hinder nitrogen utilization, leading to poor crop production.
