micronutrientn.

1940 D. R. Hoagland in Science 14 June 558/2 Their presence in adequate amounts depends on accidental factors of choice of chemicals, distilled water or culture vessels, which yield uncontrolled contributions of micronutrients.

1943 Ann. Rev. Biochem. 12 525 List of essential micronutrients.—The essentiality of boron, manganese, and zinc for higher plants is no longer open to dispute.

1953 J. Ramsbottom Mushrooms & Toadstools viii. 80 Manganese, zinc, boron, copper, molybdenum, have been proved definitely to be micro-nutrients for certain fungi.

1974 Nature 8 Feb. 392/1 Since 1957, selenium has been recognized as an essential micronutrient for animals.

1986 J. A. Samson Trop. Fruits (ed. 2) ii. 24 Micronutrients are usually applied as sulphates (Zn, Mn, Cu), but these are not available to the roots at high pH. It is easier to spray them on the trees.

1991 Vegetarian Times Jan. 18/2 Current studies suggest that micronutrients found in fruits and vegetables..have a protective effect against cancer formation.