Grapes, whether cultivated in open fields or backyard gardens, are highly valued tree species. In regions like the giant peaks of Yanqiao in Xi'an, the Hutai series in Huxian, and the Hongdi variety in northern Fujian, grape cultivation has become a major industry driving local economic growth. However, many fruit growers have long focused only on the use of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, neglecting the importance of trace elements such as zinc. This imbalance has led to various physiological deficiencies, commonly referred to as physiological diseases.
Among these, zinc deficiency has become a critical issue that requires immediate attention from growers. The rapid increase in zinc-deficient cases each year has caused significant losses for farmers. This article aims to provide a detailed overview of the symptoms and effective correction methods for zinc deficiency, offering practical guidance for grape growers.
**First, the symptoms of zinc deficiency**
Zinc deficiency typically starts with the leaves. Affected leaves become smaller and narrower, with shortened internodes, leading to dense foliage that may form rosette-like structures or grow in circular patterns. As the condition progresses, the leaves at the tip may die off, and the entire shoot can dry up.
From a fruit perspective, zinc deficiency leads to poor nutrition and incomplete pollination, resulting in seedless or small, deformed fruits with no commercial value. These fruits often have uneven sizes, losing their original characteristics and significantly reducing yield and quality.
On the tree level, zinc deficiency causes a sharp decline in production due to abnormalities in leaves, branches, and fruits. The disordered structure of the plant also disrupts overall photosynthesis, further impacting growth and productivity.
**Second, the causes of zinc deficiency**
One primary cause is the over-reliance on fertilizers such as diammonium phosphate or superphosphate, which contain high levels of phosphorus. Excess phosphorus can interfere with zinc absorption, creating an antagonistic effect that limits the availability of zinc to the plants. Additionally, calcareous soils—rich in calcium—can bind zinc, making it less available to the roots and contributing to deficiency.
**Third, the corrective measures**
To address zinc deficiency, it's essential to supply adequate zinc to the plants. A 0.1% zinc sulfate solution sprayed 7–10 days before flowering can effectively prevent deficiency. For soils rich in lime or calcium, zinc may be immobilized, so careful management is needed to ensure proper root uptake.
During the growing season, three applications of chelated trace elements, such as Stadecopol, can help improve zinc absorption. These products can be mixed directly into fertilizers to enhance nutrient uptake by the grapevines.
In addition to chemical treatments, agricultural practices such as weeding, soil aeration, and the application of organic-inorganic bio-fertilizers can promote better zinc absorption and improve its utilization within the plant.
By addressing zinc deficiency through both nutritional and agronomic approaches, grape growers can significantly improve plant health, fruit quality, and overall yield. Taking proactive steps now can prevent future losses and ensure sustainable grape production.
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