THE ZN AS A VITAL MICRONUTRIENT IN PLANTS

Abstract

Macro and micronutrients are vital for the growth and productivity of the plants. Zinc (Zn) is considered to be one of the essential micronutrients for the growth and development of cereals as well as fodder crops. It is also a regulatory cofactor for all those enzymes which are required for the synthesis of chlorophyll, proteins and carbohydrates. The functioning of these enzymes is affected significantly due to Zn deficiency and there will be a retarded growth and productivity of plants. Deficiency of Zn is a universal problem among cereal crops. The concentration of Zn varies from 6-1.2 mg/kg in various soils, whereas its concentration reaches 20-300 ppm in plants. Zn deficiency leads to chlorosis in the leaves of plants. Various reasons affect the availability of Zn in the plants, which include soil type, pH of the soil and availability of other nutrients that work antagonistically for the absorption of Zn. Zn applied as the fertilizer gets converted into unavailable form by making insoluble complexes and thus not available for plants. Hence the best alternative to this issue is the use of Zn solubilising bacteria (ZSB). These ZSB will accumulate in the rhizosphere zone of the plants and will reduce the requirement of the applied Zn fertilizer. It will prevent Zn toxicity in the soil and will enhance the uptake of other macronutrients like phosphorus to the plants.