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Molybdenum In Plant Nutrition

Molybdenum is an essential component of two major enzymes in plants, nitrogenase and nitrate reductase. Nitrate reductase is the most well-studied molybdenum-containing enzyme. It catalyzes the reduction of NO3- to NO2-.

Most soils contain enough molybdenum in available form to adequately meet the needs of crop plants. In some areas, however, particularly on acid soils (pH<5.5), molybdenum deficiency can arise because of high-molybdenum fixation in the soil. The geographic pattern of molybdenum deficiency mainly follows the regions of acid, sandy soils, although the effect may be masked by the common use of lime.1

The requirement for molybdenum by plants is varied. The Cruciferae, particularly cauliflower and cabbage, have a high-molybdenum demand. The same also applies to legumes because of the requirement of the root nodule bacteria. In a survey of 21 states in the USA, alfalfa was found to be the most common crop species showing molybdenum deficiency, followed by cauliflower, broccoli, soy beans, clover, and citrus. In general, the monocots are not very sensitive to molybdenum deficiency.

Since the most important function of molybdenum in plant metabolism is in the NO3- (nitrate) reduction, molybdenum deficiency resembles nitrogen deficiency. Plants suffering from molybdenum deficiency are restricted in growth; their leaves become pale and eventually wither. Flower formation may be restricted. In dicotyledons a drastic reduction in size and irregularities in leaf blade formation (whiptail) are the most typical visual symptoms. These are caused by local necrosis in the tissue and insufficient differentiation of vascular bundles at early stages of leaf development.
 

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