Zinc (Zn)


Zinc deficiency is by far the most widespread and important of all our micronutrient problems. Zinc is absorbed as divalent (Zn++) form. Zinc is an essential constituent of several important enzyme systems in plants. It controls the synthesis of indoleacetic acid, an important plant growth regulator.

Zinc deficiency symptoms are usually most obvious in the spring of last year's growth. It is characterized by small, narrow leaves, also known as little leaf, that appear similar to leaves injured by Roundup herbicide but with less cupping and crinkling and usually occurring higher up in the tree. Often, there is blind wood in the middle portion of shoots and a cluster of normal leaves at the terminal end of affected limbs known as rosetting. Interveinal chlorosis may be present on leaves. Branches will die back in severe cases. In grasses, you get striping or banding on the leaves.

The most common method for correct zinc and other nutrient problems are by foliar sprays. The preferred timing of sprays is late dormant to post bloom into early spring on tree crops when a new flush of growth is taking place.

To return to Plant Nutrients.

To return to Plant Nutritional Doctor.