Micronutrients: New Findings, Some of Them Disputed!

摘要

Similarly to many other parts of the world, Indian growers are paying a high toll due to Zinc deficiencies, encountered in many crops, states and regions. Zinc is specifically important in the production of the amino acid tryptophan, from which higherplants produce the auxin indole-acetic acid (IAA). This highly vital plant growth regulator regulates and controls plant elongation, division and expansion, and fruit development. Thus, low auxin levels causes stunting of leaves and shoots, and reducedfruits size. Zinc is an essential component in many enzymes, some of them participate in energy production. It plays an important role in the formation and activity of chlorophyll. Zn is involved in protein synthesis. It is important for carbohydrate metabolism, and Zinc plays a major role in water absorption by the roots, hence, adequate Zinc nutrition enhances plant's drought- handling capacity.