Micronutrient Deficiency in Plants

MICRONUTRIENT EFFECT EXPLANATION

♥ Terminal buds die.  Uptake of ions by the
Boron (B) ♥ Abnormal plant roots is affected.
growths form.  Mitotic division of
♥ Leaves become thick, cells becomes
curled and brittle. uneven.
♥ Stunted growth.  Lack of copper
♥ Death at the tips of causes the utilisation
Copper (Cu) young shoots. of proteins (enzymes)
♥ Formation of is affected.
reproductive organs
are stunted.
♥ Chlorosis (yellowing  Formation/synthesis
between the veins of of chlorophyll is
Ferrum (Fe) young leaves) affected.
 Photosynthesis
cannot be conducted.
♥ Chlorosis  Affects the enzyme
♥ Dead spots formed system (the
Manganese (Mn)
between the veins. breakdown of starch)
and the nitrogen
metabolism.
♥ Chlorosis at older  Nitrogen fixation and
leaves. reduction of nitrates
Molybdenum (Mo)
♥ Young leaves are light decrease – nitrogen
green in colour. metabolism
decreases.
♥ Irregular chlorosis  Synthesis of auxin
occurs. (growth hormone) is
♥ Retarded growth. affected, causing
stunted growth.
Zinc (Zn)
 Transformation of
carbohydrate
(starch) is affected
and the carbohydrate
metabolism
decreases.