Most of available Boron in soil is associated with organic matter. Along with Calcium, it plays very important role in development of reproductive organs and terminal buds. Normal leaves contain between 25 and 100 ppm Boron.
Boron plays an important role in the development and differentiation of tissue, carbohydrate metabolism and translocation of sugar in plants.
It makes up for the Calcium deficiency to some extent.
It helps in the normal growth of plant and in absorption of Nitrogen in soil.
It helps in root development and flower and pollen grain formation.
Symptoms vary with the plant type, age, condition of growth and the severity of the deficiency.
Each crop produces its characteristic growth abnormalities associated with Boron deficiency.
Corking and pitting of fruits in Arecanut, Tomatoes, Banana, bumpy fruits in Papaya, hollow stem and bronzing of curd in Cauliflower, misshapes in Cucurbits, etc
Boron deficiency is often found to be associated with sterility and malformation of reproductive organs.
Boron deficiency decreases the rate of water absorption and of translocation of sugar in plants.
Seeds also fail to mature without Boron.
Boron deficiency also retards uptake of Calcium.
Apply 2-3 kg of Borax per acre before planting.
Spray Boron (Solubor, Folibor) @ 2-3 gm/ltr, two to three times at intervals of 15 days to overcome the deficiency.
Spray micronutreint mixture (powder/ liquid formulations) containing Boron as recommended.