Resource Book on Horticulture Nursery Management

iii. Acts as carrier of phosphorous in plants particularly in connection with the
formation of seeds of high oil content. Thus it promotes the formation of oils and
fats.
iv. Helps the translocation of starches and regulates the uptake of other nutrients in
plants.
6. Sulphur
i. Though sulphur is not constituent of chlorophyll, it helps in chlorophyll formation
and encourages vegetative plant growth.
ii. It is an essential constituent of many proteins, enzymes and certain volatile
compounds such as mustard oil and helps in the oxidation-reduction system in
respiration of plants.
iii. Increases root growth, stimulates seed formation and promotes nodule formation
on roots of legumes.
7. Boron
i. The primary role of boron appears to be concerned with calcium metabolism both
with its uptake by roots and its efficient use in plants.
ii. Tends to keep calcium soluble and increases its mobility in the plant, helps in
absorption in of nitrogen.
iii. Is a constituent of cell membrane and is essential for cell division and is necessary
for translocation of sugars in plants.
iv. Helps the vascular system in roots to give out branches (rootlets) to supply nodule
bacteria with carbohydrate so that bacteria may not become parasitic.
v. Boron has effect on many other functions in plant such as active salt absorption,
hormone movement, flowering and fruiting processes, pollen germination,
carbohydrates as well as nitrogen metabolism, metabolism of peptic substances.
8. Manganese
i. The function of manganese is regarded as being closely associated with that of
iron. It also supports the movement of iron in the plant and helps chlorophyll
formation in plants.
ii. Acts as catalyst in oxidation and reduction reactions within the plant tissues. Thus
as a constituents of enzymes it helps in respiration and in protein synthesis in the
chloroplasts.
iii. A good manganese supply some times helps in counteracting the bad effect of
poor aeration in soil.
9. Iron
i. It helps in chlorophyll formation. A deficiency of iron causes chlorosis between
the veins of leaves. Iron is very immobile element within the plant. Iron
deficiency is noticeable in younger leaves at the growing region. It also helps in
absorption of other nutrients.
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