Why zinc matters
Zinc is a micronutrient, which means crops need it in small amounts. But "small" does not mean "minor". Zinc is involved in enzyme activity, chlorophyll formation, growth hormone production and the development of healthy leaves, flowers and grain. When zinc runs short, the crop slows down even if nitrogen, phosphorus and potash are adequate.
Zinc deficiency is one of the most widespread micronutrient problems in Indian agriculture. Soil testing programmes across the country have repeatedly found a large share of soils low in available zinc, especially in intensively cropped rice–wheat areas.
Why Indian soils are often low in available zinc
Several common conditions reduce the zinc available to roots:
- High soil pH (alkaline and calcareous soils) – zinc becomes less soluble as pH rises.
- Low organic matter – less organic matter means less natural chelation that keeps zinc available.
- Intensive cropping – high-yielding varieties remove more zinc every season, and little is returned.
- Waterlogged paddy soils – flooded conditions change soil chemistry and reduce zinc availability to rice.
- Heavy phosphorus application – high P levels are known to interfere with zinc uptake in many crops.
- Light, sandy soils – often low in total zinc to begin with.
Zinc deficiency symptoms by crop
Because zinc moves only slowly within the plant, symptoms usually appear on young or middle leaves first, with stunting and short internodes. The table below summarises the classic signs in the three main cereals.
| Crop | Common name | Typical symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Paddy (rice) | Khaira disease | Rusty brown spots on older leaves, often starting a few weeks after transplanting; stunted, uneven plants; reduced tillering; delayed maturity |
| Maize | White bud | Pale yellow to whitish bands on either side of the midrib of young leaves; short internodes; stunted plants |
| Wheat | Zinc deficiency | Pale, yellowish-green patches between veins on middle leaves; leaves may show necrotic spots and bend at the middle; poor tillering and stunted growth |
Paddy – khaira
Khaira is the best-known zinc problem in India. Despite the name, it is a nutritional disorder, not an infectious disease. It typically shows up in patches in the field where plants stay short and turn rusty brown, while neighbouring plants grow normally. Fields with alkaline soils and continuous flooding are most at risk.
Maize – white bud
In maize, zinc deficiency shows as broad pale or white bands on the newly emerging leaves. In severe cases the growing point looks whitish, giving it the name "white bud". Plants remain bushy and short because internodes do not elongate.
Wheat
Wheat symptoms are less dramatic but cost yield. Leaves become pale with interveinal chlorosis, plants tiller poorly and the crop looks uneven. In rice–wheat systems, zinc deficiency often carries over from the paddy season.
Tip: Symptoms of zinc deficiency can look like other problems such as iron deficiency or herbicide damage. A soil test, and ideally a plant tissue test, gives a clearer answer.
Correcting zinc deficiency: soil vs foliar
There are two main routes to correct zinc deficiency, and they work best together.
Soil application
Soil zinc is applied to the root zone so the crop can draw on it through the season. Zinc sulphate has been the traditional choice; follow your state agricultural university's recommendation for rate and timing.
CytoZ-GR is a granular zinc (zinc gluconate 12%) for soil application. The dose is 3 kg per acre. It is designed to correct zinc deficiency in the crop for better growth and higher yields.
Foliar application
Foliar sprays deliver zinc directly to the leaves and are the quickest way to correct visible symptoms during the season. They are also useful when soil conditions (high pH, waterlogging) limit uptake from the root zone.
CytoZ-Zn is a plant nutrient formulated with natural chelation technology, delivering 12% organic zinc that plants assimilate within about two hours of application. Key points:
- Dose: 250 ml per acre, or 1.5–2 ml per litre of water.
- Compatibility: Can be tank-mixed with insecticides and fungicides.
- Organic content: 18% organic content that helps protect plants against biotic and abiotic stress.
- Photosynthesis: Improves CO₂ fixation and photosynthesis by activating carbonic anhydrase enzyme activity.
- Certification: Certified organic by CDFA (California), WSDA (Washington) and OKO (Germany).
Combined micronutrient support
Where crops need more than zinc alone, Phite M-Z™ is a concentrated nutrient solution containing highly soluble manganese, zinc, potash, nitrogen and phosphites. It accelerates nutrient acquisition and assimilation and nitrogen use efficiency, and supports growth, flowering, fruit set, rooting and transplant establishment.
- Dose: 300–400 ml per acre.
- Crops: All crops.
- Compatibility: Most common pesticides, chemically neutral fertilizers and micronutrients.
Quick comparison
| Product | Form | Method | Dose |
|---|---|---|---|
| CytoZ-GR | Granular zinc (zinc gluconate 12%) | Soil application | 3 kg per acre |
| CytoZ-Zn | Liquid, naturally chelated organic zinc (12%) | Spray | 250 ml per acre, or 1.5–2 ml per litre of water |
| Phite M-Z™ | Liquid Mn, Zn, K, N and phosphites | Spray | 300–400 ml per acre |
Practical tips for farmers and dealers
- Test your soil before the season; the Soil Health Card reports available zinc.
- In fields with a history of khaira or white bud, plan zinc as a regular part of the nutrient programme rather than waiting for symptoms.
- Use soil zinc as the base and foliar zinc to correct symptoms quickly or support critical stages.
- Do not mix zinc products with high-phosphate fertilizers in the same tank unless compatibility is confirmed, as zinc and phosphate can react.
- Always do a small jar test before tank-mixing with any new product.
Key takeaways
Zinc deficiency is common across Indian soils, particularly in alkaline, low-organic-matter and intensively cropped fields. It shows as khaira in paddy, white bud in maize and pale, stunted growth in wheat. Correction works best through a combination of soil-applied zinc such as CytoZ-GR and foliar zinc such as CytoZ-Zn or Phite M-Z™, guided by soil testing.
Not sure whether your crop is short of zinc or something else? Talk to a Verdesian agronomist or request our trial reports.
Frequently asked questions
What is khaira disease in paddy?
Khaira is the common name for zinc deficiency in rice. It is a nutritional disorder, not an infection, and shows as rusty brown spots on older leaves, stunted plants and uneven growth, often a few weeks after transplanting.
What are the symptoms of zinc deficiency in maize?
Maize shows 'white bud': pale yellow to whitish bands on either side of the midrib of young leaves, with short internodes and stunted plants.
Is soil or foliar zinc better?
Soil application builds zinc in the root zone for the season, while foliar sprays correct visible deficiency quickly. Many growers use soil zinc as a base and foliar zinc when symptoms appear or at critical stages.
What is the dose of CytoZ-Zn and CytoZ-GR?
CytoZ-Zn is used at 250 ml per acre, or 1.5–2 ml per litre of water. CytoZ-GR is a granular zinc for soil application at 3 kg per acre.
