Role and deficiency symptoms of micronutrients in Mango Micronutrients are equally important as macro nutrients for proper growth of mango tree. The requirement of micronutrients are only traces which is partly met from the soils or through chemical fertilizers or through some other sources. Mango trees suffer widely by the deficiency of micronutrients. If these are corrected at proper time, it definitely boosts up the economic yield of the tree. Introduction

Hence, it is important to have proper knowledge to identifying deficiency/toxicity symptoms of these micronutrients for timely correction. Role and deficiency symptoms of micronutrients in Mango

Role of copper It is a component of plaxtocyanin which plays a role in protein and carbohydrates synthesis. Cu is essential in several plant enzyme systems involved in photosynthesis. Cu is part of the chloroplast protein plastocyanin, which forms part of the electron transport chain. Cu may have a role in the synthesis and/or stability of chlorophyll and other plant pigments. Role and deficiency symptoms of micronutrients in Mango

Role of iron Constituent of cytochrome for respiration. It brings about chlorophyll formation and electron transport. Fe is essential in the heme enzyme system in plant metabolism (photosynthesis and respiration). The enzymes involved include catalase, peroxidase, cytochrome oxidase, and other cytochromes. Fe is part of protein ferredoxin and is required in nitrate and sulfate reductions. Fe is essential in the synthesis and maintenance of chlorophyll in plants and strongly associated with protein metabolism. Role and deficiency symptoms of micronutrients in Mango

Activator of enzymes in photosynthesis. Essential for chlorophyll formation. Mn is involved in the oxidation-reduction process in photosynthesis. Role of Manganese Role of Zinc Activator of enzymes in respiration. It has role in protein synthesis. Essential for auxin synthesis. Zn is required in the synthesis of tryptophan, which in turn is necessary for the formation of indole acetic acid in plants. Role and deficiency symptoms of micronutrients in Mango

It helps in cell division and cell differentiation. Role of boron Role of Molybdenum Activator of enzymes in respiration. It has role in protein synthesis. Essential for auxin synthesis. Zn is required in the synthesis of tryptophan, which in turn is necessary for the formation of indole acetic acid in plants. Role and deficiency symptoms of micronutrients in Mango

Deficiency symptoms of copper Copper deficiency are seen frequently in young plants getting large amounts of N, or in the young shoots of adult plants. Copper deficiency in mango orchards caused long, tender and “S”shaped branches and leaves with downward curls, both on the lamina and the central vein. On the branches, Cu deficiency causes boil-like eruptions on the bark that, at times, weeps sap. Progressive terminal branch death may occur under where new shoots were curved or “S”-shaped in the previous year Role and deficiency symptoms of micronutrients in Mango

Deficiency symptoms of iron Iron deficiency is manifested by typical chlorosis in new leaves, which have a mesh of green veins contrasting with the yellow of the lamina. Severely affected leaves may be pale yellow, with little or no green in the veins. Young leaves are always affected first. In situations of acute deficiency branches and twigs may die. Role and deficiency symptoms of micronutrients in Mango

Causes of iron deficiency Iron deficiency is associated with soils derived from calcareous material or acidic soils with very high levels of manganese (Mn). Sometimes excessive amounts of Mn in poorly drained soils can induce Fe deficiency in plants. Associated with an excess of Mn applying large amounts of P fertilizer may also induce Fe deficiency in mango. Role and deficiency symptoms of micronutrients in Mango

Deficiency symptoms of boron Boron deficiency first occur in the youngest parts of the plant, while its toxicity is seen at the extremities of the oldest leaves. Boron deficiency causes death of the apical bud, which results in an excessive number of lateral buds that develop tuft-shaped secondary branches. Role and deficiency symptoms of micronutrients in Mango

Deficiency symptoms of boron The floral panicles are smaller and have fewer hermaphroditic flowers. Boron deficiency caused physiological disorder known as internal necrosis and symptoms starts from browning of seed and measocarp tissues. Internal necrosis Role and deficiency symptoms of micronutrients in Mango

Deficiency symptoms of manganese Manganese deficiency causes reduced growth, similar to deficiencies of P and Mg. New leaves have a yellowish green lamina, with a noticeable green mesh between the veins, which are thicker than those associated with Fe deficiency. The first symptoms appear on new leaves, which have a yellowish green background. Role and deficiency symptoms of micronutrients in Mango

Deficiency symptoms of manganese In severe deficiency, the new leaves become chlorotic, with necrosis along the extremities of the lamina. Due to manganese deficiency mottling of leaves followed by complete yellowing with dark brown pin head like spot scattered all over the laminae. Liming and the application of large amounts of P decrease the availability of manganese in the soil. Role and deficiency symptoms of micronutrients in Mango

Deficiency symptoms of Zinc Zinc deficiency markedly reduced the leaf size and inhibited plant growth appreciably. Zinc deficiency found to be the cause of severe malformation in mature mango trees. Role and deficiency symptoms of micronutrients in Mango

Therefore, it is important to have knowledge of symptoms of micronutrients. Let Us Sum Up Micronutrients are nutrients required by plants throughout life in small quantities to orchestrate a whole range of physiological functions. Mango trees suffer widely by the deficiency of micronutrients. If these are corrected at proper time, it definitely boosts up the economic yield of the tree. On the branches, Cu deficiency causes boil-like eruptions on the bark that, at times, weeps sap, however, boron deficiency caused physiological disorder known as internal necrosis and symptoms starts from browning of seed and measocarp tissues.