Boron : Sources , Functions and Deficiencies in Plants

When Deficiencies Of Boron Beat The Plants!

Do you know, plants are really sensitive incase of nutrients intake. All kinds of primary nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, pottassium; secondary nutrients such as calcium, magnesium , sulphur and remaining micronutrients like zinc, chlorine, iron, molybdenum, manganese, copper, etc are needed to plants for their proper growth and development.. One deficiency of such nutrients can cause harm in a specific part and become a growth barrier. 

Nutrient deficient plants are not preferred by anyone and it is not that healthier for our body intake. There are many symptoms shown by the plants in case of any deficient factors ; such as short leaf and internode, stunted growth, too late or too fast maturity, different color varieties exchange, ocurence of different disease in crops, etc. We must be keen on such symptoms in our crops and apply the required solution(fertilizers or growth regulators) by consulting to the authorized person.

Boron, only non-metal nutrient; is an essential factor needed for proper growth and development of plants. The concentration of boron in plants is about 2-75 ppm. It is absorbed in the form of H3BO3 (Boric acid) by plants. In soil, we can find the boron in the forms of soil solution,  combined with organic matter, in rocks and minerals and also in the adsorbed form on clays, oxides of iron and aluminium. The primary sources of this micronutrient are organic matter and tourmaline.We should  know that boron deficiency can easily occur when the pH of the growing medium is more than 6.5; as it becomes unavailable for plant uptake due to being tied up. The low rate of fertilizer application are also the causes ,where we must be keen.It is seen in light textured soils where the water-soluble boron leaches down the soil profile and becomes unavailable for plants

Firstly, lets know the functions of boron in the growth and development of plants. Boron plays an essential role in development and growth of new cells in plant meristems. From the various experiments conducted, it has been known that boron plays an important role in plasma

membrane  integrity. It is involved in regulating metabolism  of carbohydrate in plants. It helps in nodule formation in legumes. It is very effective in increasing pollen viability ;thus contributing to increase fruit set. It helps in the translocation of sugar, starch, nitrogen and phosphorus. It also plays the important role in the synthesis of amino acids and proteins for formation of plant hormones. These are some functions of boron.                        

Lets move to the main topic now, which we are all excited to know, the deficiencies of boron plants. Boron is an immobile element in plant . In immobile element, the deficiency symptoms first appear in the young leaves. Boron deficiencies will often appear in the form of wilted or curled leaves and there will be also cracked conditions of petioles and stems. In boron deficiency ,the younger leaves becomes yellow where it loses more color at the base than at the tip of leaves. Occurrence of chlorosis is common . The terminal bud or main growing point also dies . There will be the appearance of rotting of roots ,tubers and fruits. The leaves and stems are also weak and maybe easily broken and the leaf tips tend to thicken and curl. The leaves also may  develop dark brown color and in severe cases,leaf necrosis may occur. Corky apple is caused by its deficiency. As we can see in cauliflower and broccoli ,there will be the deformed buds and rolling leaves, hollow type of stem ,browning of  curds which leads to the dead heart in cauliflower; is caused by boron deficiency. It also causes the plant disease, as the internal blackening called black heart in root crops such as radish, turnip, potato, etc. Wheat sterility is also observed during the deficiency. There is a poor pollination in corn which results in small undeveloped corns in one stalk and barren cobs. Many lumpy and gummy fruits are also seen. In most  of the trees, shoots tips may die due to the presence of multiple lateral branches and thus reduced lignifications of wood may causes branches to weep. Morever, in alfa-alfa plants leaves will cluster in crowded circles near base. Therefore ,all these  deficiencies leads to the anatomical, physiological and biochemical changes in plants; resulting in low yield. Lets be aware on this deficiency and save our crops from this.