Sprays have been the most effective method—to date—of supplying the micronutrients iron and zinc to many crops. Although considerable research has been done in recent years on the use of metal chelates for soil application of these two nutrients, the use of such materials is recommended only for high-value plantings. Spray application is still indicated for most crops. For this reason basic studies are being conducted on factors influencing the absorption and the subsequent translocation of these two elements.

The above progress report is based on Research Project No. 851.