Zinc (Zn)

Zinc is predominately taken up by the plant in the divalent cation form (Zn2+). Under high pH soil conditions it may be taken up as a monovalent cation (ZnOH+). Primary function in the plant is that of structural enzymes that are involved in DNA replication and gene expression.

The mobility of Zn in the plant is highly restricted resulting in deficiency symptoms appearing on younger tissue first. This deficiecny is exhibited by interveinal chlorosis. Young developing leaves are smaller than normal and internode elongation is reduced leading to a 'rosetted' appearance to the new growth.

Zinc deficiency normally occurs on plants that are growing under conditions of either highly weathered acidic soils or alternatively of high pH or calcareous soils.

Images of Zinc deficiency symptoms

Zinc deficiency symptoms on corn.