What are the main symptoms of zinc deficiency in plants?

Zinc deficiency symptoms in plants will develop as a unique pattern on leaves and growth structures. Upon close observation, you will see interveinal chlorosis, which is where the yellow areas grow between the veins while the veins remain green. This condition typically affects new growth first compared to other nutrient deficiencies within the plant. Plants also develop short stems with compacted leaves known as rosetting. Root systems also develop poorly and weakly.

These visual cues indicate a significant metabolic disruption. For instance, zinc activates more than 300 metabolic enzymes involved in protein production and growth regulation. In this case, without sufficient zinc, plants cannot produce essential hormones, such as auxin. The induced metabolism likely decreased the rate of photosynthesis by 50%. If the condition persists, crop yields could decline by 40%.

The severity of symptoms will vary by crop type as well as the duration of the deficiency. Corn shows streaks of white midrib while citrus displays mottled young leaves. Tomato leaves curl inward with bronzed undersides. Different crops show patterns that assist accurate diagnosis. Leaf discoloration areas can be measured: spots smaller than 0.1 inches indicate an earlier stage deficiency.

Differentiate zinc deficiency from other nutrient related deficiencies: Most often iron deficiency also leads to interveinal chlorosis, but will affect older growth before the younger. Manganese deficiencies will produce small spots in uniform patterns, not dispersed random patterns. Soil testing provides confirmation if the zinc levels are below 0.5 mg/kg (DTPA extraction). Visual examination in combination with analytical laboratory testing can confirm if they are zinc deficient.

Read the full article: Zinc Deficiency Plants: Symptoms and Solutions