Zinc

Zinc is an essential microelement that serves as an enzyme cofactor for at least 80 enzyme systems involved in important plant metabolic processes.

On the one hand, in photosynthesis it plays an important role in the transformation of sugars into starch, the main reserve substance of the plant.

Zinc participates in the synthesis of tryptophan, an amino acid precursor of auxin, the hormone responsible for plant growth.

In protein synthesis it intervenes in the stabilization of ribosomes, and forms a structural part of RNA polymerase.

During seed ripening and production, zinc promotes pollen formation and viability, resulting in improved grain yield.

In addition, zinc gives plants tolerance to soil pathogens.

ABSORPTION

Zinc is absorbed as the Zn+2 ion, most commonly in chelated form. Its availability is greater in soils with acidic pH.

DEFICIENCIES

The characteristic symptoms of zinc deficiency are interveinal discoloration in the mid-plant, decreased leaf growth, and shortening of internodes, resulting in stunting of the plant. These symptoms are easily detected in corn, sorghum, and fruit trees.