Zinc Nutrition as a Driver of Growth, Productivity, and Nutritional Quality in Vegetable Crops

Abstract

Zinc is a vital micronutrient for vegetable crops, playing a crucial role in enhancing growth, productivity, and nutritional quality. This review explores the significance of zinc in vegetable crop cultivation, emphasizing its biochemical functions, including enzyme activation, protein synthesis, and stress tolerance. Zinc contributes to key plant metabolic processes, improving overall plant vigor, root development, and fruit production. However, zinc deficiency, widespread in many agricultural soils, leads to stunted growth, poor yield, and reduced crop quality, directly impacting food security and human nutrition. The review examines various zinc supplementation strategies, including soil application, foliar spraying, and biofortification techniques, with an emphasis on optimizing zinc levels for different vegetable crops. Zinc biofortification offers a promising approach to improving the nutritional content of vegetables, addressing the worldwide issue of micronutrient malnutrition. Furthermore, the paper highlights zinc interactions with other nutrients and discusses sustainable practices for efficient zinc management, such as integrated nutrient management (INM) and exactitude agriculture. Future research directions include advancements in zinc-efficient crop breeding, nano-zinc fertilizers, and technologies for better monitoring and management. This review provides comprehensive insights into the role of zinc in vegetable crops, offering valuable recommendations for enhancing productivity, quality, and nutritional value for global agricultural sustainability and human health.