Zinc ( Zn ) deficiency

Zinc (Zn) deficiency affects several biochemical processes in the rice plant, thus severely affecting plant growth. Zince deficiency is associated with Sulfur deficiency. Zinc deficiency is the most widespread micronutrient disorder in rice. Its occurrence has increased with the introduction of modern varieties, crop intensification, and increased Zn removal.  Particularly Zinc deficiency often occur in the soils with high pH level (close to 7 or alkaline under anaerobic conditions) and excessive liming.

How to identify (symptoms)

Symptoms appear between two to four weeks after transplanting. Check the field for the following symptoms:

• dusty brown spots on upper leaves of stunted plants
• uneven plant growth and patches of poorly established hills in the field, but the crop may recover without intervention
• increased spikelet sterility in rice
• chlorotic midribs, particularly near the leaf base of younger leaves
• leaves lose turgor and turn brown as brown blotches and streaks appear on lower leaves, enlarge, and coalesce
• white line sometimes appears along the leaf midrib
• leaf blade size is reduced

   

  How to manage.  

  1.  Apply ZnSO4 @ 25 kg/ha

  2.  Foliar spray of 0.5 % ZnSO4 ( 5g/lit), two times at 15 days interval