Role of micronutrients in vegetable production: A review

Abstract

The nutrient elements which are required comparatively in small quantities are called as micro or minor nutrients or trace elements. Micronutrients are essentially as important as macronutrients to have better growth, yield and quality in plants. Proper plant nutrition is essential for successful production of vegetable crops. Integrated supply of micronutrients with macronutrients in adequate amount and suitable proportions is one of the most important factors that control the plant growth in vegetable crops. Micronutrients which are essential for all higher plants are boron (B), chlorine (Cl), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo) and nickel (Ni). Micronutrients like Cl, Cu, Fe and Mn are involved in various photosynthetic processes and Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn are associated with various enzymatic activities, Mo is specific for nitrate reductase only. Boron is associated with the carbohydrate metabolism and reproductive phase of the plants along with photosynthesis or enzymatic activities. Judicious use of micronutrients is essential for vegetable cultivation to get maximum yield of high quality produce. Plants differ in their need for micronutrients. In this review, we focus on the major functions of mineral micronutrients in vegetable production.