The seven essential plant micronutrients
- Zinc (Zn): Essential for tryptophan synthesis (precursor of auxin hormone), chlorophyll production, and enzyme activation.
- Iron (Fe): Catalyst in chlorophyll synthesis, electron transport in respiration, and oxidation-reduction reactions.
- Boron (B): Critical for pollen germination, pollen tube elongation, cell wall formation, sugar translocation, and fruit set.
- Manganese (Mn): Drives photosynthetic water-splitting reactions and nitrogen metabolism.
- Copper (Cu), Molybdenum (Mo), and Chlorine (Cl): Regulate enzyme systems, symbiotic nitrogen fixation in legumes, and cellular turgor.
Recognizing micronutrient deficiency symptoms
- Iron deficiency: Interveinal chlorosis appearing first on young top leaves, turning entire new foliage ivory white.
- Zinc deficiency: Stunting, shortened internodes (rosetting), little leaf syndrome, and bronzing on older leaves.
- Boron deficiency: Hollow heart in vegetables, cracked fruits, poor seed set in mustard and sunflower, and terminal bud dieback.
Application strategies and chelated micronutrients
- Soil application: Base trace element additions on Soil Health Card lab results, applying straight salts or customized micronutrient mixtures.
- Foliar spraying: Chelate compounds (e.g. Fe-EDTA, Zn-EDTA) prevent soil fixation in high pH or calcareous soils, allowing direct leaf absorption.
- Integrated approach: Combine soil amendments with organic manures and biofertilizers to enhance native trace mineral availability.
Official source
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Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
What are the essential micronutrients for crop plants?
Zinc, Iron, Boron, Manganese, Copper, Molybdenum, and Chlorine are the essential plant micronutrients.
Why is boron critical during crop flowering?
Boron is vital for pollen grain fertility, pollen tube growth, successful fertilization, and fruit set.
What causes iron deficiency in plants?
High soil pH, excess free lime (calcareous soils), and waterlogged conditions inhibit iron uptake.
What is the advantage of chelated micronutrients?
Chelated minerals (like Zn-EDTA) remain soluble in alkaline soils and are readily absorbed through plant leaves.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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