| FUNCTION IN PLANTS |
OCCURRENCE UNDER DIFFERENT SOIL CONDITIONS |
- Functions as a catalyst in many enzyme systems.
- Enzymes containing Zn may be important in metabolism of starch and nitrogen.
- Controls the synthesis of the amino acid tryptophan, which is a precursor to auxin, an important growth regular.
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- In many cases a large part of soluble Zn is complexed with organic compounds.
- Increasing pH reduces plant-available Zn.
- Deficiency symptoms have been reported in "leveled soils", i.e. where land is flattened.
Deficiency symptoms can develop in soils supplied with excess P. |
| DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS AND CONSEQUENCES |
PLANTS PRONE TO DEFICIENCY |
- In most cases short internodes and chlorotic areas in older leaves characterize Zn deficiency. Chlorotic symptoms on leaves are small yellow spots and on grasses yellow chlorotic interveinal bands.
- In fruit trees buds and shoots die off after first year and leaves fall prematurely.
- Results are retarded growth and disturbed cell functions.
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- Maize, hops, flax, bean, green vegetables, citrus, grape, apple and pear.
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