Comparison of Calcium and Boron Deficiencies of the Peanut I. Physiological and Yield Differences1

Abstract

AbstractComparisons of calcium and boron deficiency and normal peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L. var. “Florigiant”) were made from plants grown to maturity on soils supplying inadequate and adequate (with fertilization) levels of these nutrients. The characteristics of boron and calcium deficiencies were distinctive and strikingly different. Boron deficiency seemed to affect all parts of the plant. It changed foliage characteristics, flowering pattern, and usually increased shoot and root yields. However, the deficiency decreased fruit yield and caused poor quality of fruit. In contrast, calcium deficiency seemed to affect only fruit yield and quality. Without calcium the yield usually was lower and the quality of the seed poorer.