Question

What are the Minor Plant Nutrients?

Answer 1

Minor plant nutrients:

1. Minor plant nutrients are those nutrients needed in a small amount for plant growth.
2. This small amount is less than 10mmole/kg of dry matter.
3. These micronutrients can be toxic for the plant if it is present in a large amount.
4. These minor nutrients are zinc, iron, boron, manganese, molybdenum, copper, chlorine, and nickel.

Role of minor nutrients

Iron:

1. Iron is taken by the plant in the form of ferric ions.
2. It activates the catalase enzyme and is essential for chlorophyll.

Manganese:

1. Manganese is obtained by the plant in the form of manganous ions.
2. It catalyzes the splitting of water to release oxygen during the photosynthesis process.
3. It activates various enzymes which help in photosynthesis, respiration, and metabolism of nitrogen.
4. It helps the plant during hormone signaling.

Copper:

Copper is taken by the plant in the form of cupric ions and is responsible for the overall metabolism of the plant.

Zinc:

1. Zinc is obtained by the plant in the form of Zn²⁺ ions.
2. It requires in the synthesis of auxin.

Chlorine:

1. Chlorine is obtained by the plant in the form of a chloride anion.
2. It catalyzes the splitting of water to release oxygen during the photosynthesis process.