Question

Write the uses and deficiency symptoms of different micronutrients essential for plants.

Answer 1

Nutrient elements

1. Nutrient elements also called as minerals are required by the plants to grow well and complete their life-cycle.
2. These mineral elements are absorbed by the roots along with water.
3. The process involved in the movement of minerals is called active transport.
4. They are divided into- macronutrients and micronutrients.
5. Macronutrients are required in large quantities like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium.
6. Micronutrients are required in lesser amounts like zinc, manganese, iodine, carbon, hydrogen, etc.

Uses of Micronutrients:

1. Iron (Fe) is important for protein formation.
2. Manganese (Mn) is the main constituent of some of the enzymes.
3. Zinc (Zn) is the constituent of plant hormones, it also plays the role in activating the enzymes.

Deficiency symptoms of Micronutrients:

1. Deficiency of Iron causes yellowing of leaves.
2. Deficiency of Manganese causes yellowing of leaves, and grey spots on the leaves.
3. Deficiency of Zinc causes yellowing of leaves, growth of the plant is stunted.