Boron (B)

Boron functions in the plant in a wide variety of capacities including sugar and starch metabolism, hormone metabolism, flower formation and seed production.

Deficiency of Boron in the crop may appear in both new growth and old growth alike. Petioles of younger leaves are short and thickened while internode elongation is also stunted. These symptoms may produce a 'rosetted' or bushy appearance. Flower and seed production is adversely affected by B deficiency leading to abnormally shaped flowers and reduced number of flowers. Under moderate B deficiency levels plant foliage may not be affected but square and boll production may be reduced drastically.

Boron deficiencies are found mainly in acid, sandy soils in regions of high rainfall, and those with low soil organic matter. Borate ions are mobile in soil and can be leached from the root zone. Boron deficiencies are more pronounced during drought periods when root activity is restricted. High pH soils may also induce B deficiency due to the decreased solubility of B under these soil conditions.

Images of Boron deficiency symptoms

Boron deficiency symptoms on soybean.