Which of the following is a micronutrient for plants?

Plants require a variety of nutrients to grow, develop, and carry out essential physiological functions. These nutrients are classified into macronutrients and micronutrients, depending on the amount needed. Micronutrients are elements required in very small quantities but are essential for plant health and proper functioning.

Among the options given, boron is a micronutrient. Boron plays a critical role in cell wall formation, cell division, and reproductive development. It also helps in the transport of sugars and other nutrients within the plant. Even a small deficiency of boron can lead to stunted growth, poor fruit formation, and deformities in leaves or flowers.

Other elements like nitrogen, carbon, and oxygen are macronutrients because plants need them in relatively large amounts. Nitrogen is crucial for the formation of proteins, chlorophyll, and nucleic acids. Carbon and oxygen are part of carbohydrates and other organic compounds and are obtained mainly from carbon dioxide and water during photosynthesis.

Micronutrients, although required in minute amounts, are vital for enzymatic reactions and other metabolic processes. Besides boron, other plant micronutrients include zinc, iron, manganese, copper, molybdenum, chlorine, and nickel. Each plays a specific role, and deficiency of any micronutrient can affect plant health and yield.

Understanding the distinction between macronutrients and micronutrients is fundamental in plant biology, agriculture, and horticulture. It helps explain why balanced fertilizers are formulated with both major nutrients and trace elements. In short, boron is a key micronutrient for plants, essential for proper growth and development even in very small amounts.