| FUNCTION IN PLANTS |
OCCURRENCE UNDER DIFFERENT SOIL CONDITIONS |
- Most of Cu is bound to proteins in the green cells and is linked to the binding of solar energy.
- Both Cu and Zn activate an enzyme which prevents the breakdown of plant cells.
- Involved in metabolism of protein and carbohydrate.
|
- Cu available to plant originates from organic compounds in soil.
- Plant-available Cu decreases with increasing pH due to strong absorption to soil particles.
- Deficiency symptoms often occur in leached sandy soils, organic soils, calcareous soils, and some soils high in clay content.
|
| DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS AND CONSEQUENCES |
PLANTS PRONE TO DEFICIENCY |
- Chlorosis and rolling or twisting of young leaves followed by a dieback of the leaf tips.
- In cereals seed set is reduced. Yield reduction in absence of visual symptoms has been reported.
- Decreased viability and reduced release of pollen grains resulting in fewer pollinated flowers and reduced yield.
- Development of "pendula" formed trees and lodging in cereals which result in poor quality and quantity of harvest.
|
- Cereals, citrus, apple, pear, green vegetables, rice and alfalfa.
|