Boron Application Research Articles

Effect of spacing and boron application and spacing on growth, yield parameters and yield of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) hybrids in spring season

A field experiment was conducted during 2020 and 2021 spring season on loamy sand soils to study the effect of boron on sunflower hybrids sown under varied crop geometry. Treatment comprised four hybrids (PSH 1962, PSH 2080, KBSH 44 and KBSH 53) allocated to main plots, three spacings to sub plots (60 cm x 30 cm, 67.5 cm x 25 cm and 67.5 cm x 30 cm) and foliar application of boron (control and 220 ppm) at ray floret opening stage to sub sub plots which were replicated thrice. Hybrid KBSH attained the highest plant height and head diameter. Hybrids PSH 2080 and PSH 1962 produced similar but significantly higher seed yield, oil content and oil yield by virtue of higher number of seeds per plant (except over KBSH 53), seed weight per captulum, 100 seed weight and hectolitre weight than KBSH 44 and KBSH 53 in both years and mean analysis. Spacing of 60.0 cm x 30.0 cm and 67.5 cm x 25.0 cm resulted in similar but higher seed and oil yields than 67.5 cm x 30.0 cm. Foliar application ofboron significantly increased the seed yield, oil content and oil yield through improvement in growth and yield parameters over without it application.

Seed yield and quality parameters of mustard as influenced by organic manures,sulphur and foliar application of zinc and boron in northern Telangana zone

Field experiment was conducted to study the effect of organic manures, sulphur and foliar application of Zn and Bon seed yield and quality parameters of mustard crop. Eleven treatment combinations were tested in the field. The treatment with 100% NPKS+ Foliar spray of 0.5% Zinc-EDTA and 0.2% Boric acid at flower initiation and at 50% flowering resulted in highest seed yield and quality parameters of mustard under Northern Telangana zone.

On Sandy, Boron-Poor Soils, Liming Induced Severe Boron Deficiency and Drastically Reduced the Dry Matter Yield of Young Olive Trees.

In the northeast of Portugal, like in many parts of the world, most soils are acidic, which may hamper crop productivity. This study presents the findings of a factorial experiment on olive (Olea europaea L.) involving three factors: (i) soil type [schist (Sch) and granite (Gra)]; (ii) cultivars [Cobrançosa (Cob) and Arbequina (Arb)]; and (iii) fertilizer treatments [liming (CaCO3) plus magnesium (Mg) (LMg), phosphorus (P) application (+P), boron (B) application (+B), all fertilizing materials combined (Con+), and an untreated control (Con-)]. Dry matter yield (DMY) did not show significant differences between cultivars, but plants grown in schist soil exhibited significantly higher biomass compared to those in granite soil. Among the treatments, +B and Con+ resulted in the highest DMY (50.8 and 47.2 g pot-1, respectively), followed by +P (34.3 g pot-1) and Con- (28.6 g pot-1). Treatment LMg yielded significantly lower values (15.6 g pot-1) than Con-. LMg raised the pH above 7 (7.36), leading to a severe B deficiency. Although Con+ also raised the pH above 7 (7.48), it ranked among the most productive treatments for providing B. Therefore, when applying lime to B-poor sandy soils, moderate rates are advised to avoid inducing a B deficiency. Additionally, it seems prudent to apply B after lime application.

Effect of Foliar Application of Boron on the Growth and Yield of Green Chili (Capsicum annum L.)

A field study was performed at the Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA) sub-station farm, Rangpur during Rabi season of 2021-22 to determine the effect of varieties and foliar application of boron on the growth and yield of green chili. The treatments were laid out in a Split-plot and replicated three times. Different concentrations of foliar Boron were applied as foliar sprays. The experiment comprised of nine treatments: T1= 0.5 g BL-1H2O at vegetative stage, T2= 1.0 g BL-1H2O at vegetative stage, T3= 0.5 g BL-1H2O at vegetative stage + 1.0 g BL-1H2O at Fruiting stage, T4= 1.0 g BL-1H2O at vegetative stage + 1.0 g BL-1H2O at Fruiting stage, T5= 1.5 g BL-1H2O at vegetative stage & T6= 1.5 g BL-1H2O at vegetative stage + 1.5 g BL-1H2O at Fruiting stage, T7= 2.0 g BL-1H2O at vegetative stage, T8= 2.0 g BL-1H2O at vegetative stage + 2.0 g BL-1H2O at Fruiting stage & T9 = Control and two chili varieties/lines viz. Binamorich-2 & RCL-1. From the present study, it was concluded that the highest fresh chili yield (18.11 tha-1) produced Binamorich-2 compared to RCL-1 which gave 14.52 tha-1. Among the nine treatments of foliar boron, B @ 2.0 g/L H2O at vegetative stage + B @ 2.0 g/L H2O at fruiting stage exhibited the highest fresh chili yield (21.22 tha-1). In respect of the interaction effect of foliar boron and variety, the Binamorich-2 was giving the highest fresh chili yield (25.00 tha-1). However, further research will be needed with different doses of foliar boron for promising production of chili at different locations of Bangladesh.

Effect of Applying Boron, Zinc, and Manganese Foliarly on the Yield Attributes and Yield of the Potato (Solanum tuberosum) Cultivar Kufri Chipsona-1 in the Gwalior Climate

The current study was conducted during Rabi 2018–19 at the All India Coordinated Research Project on Potato, which was located in the Department of Horticulture at Rajmata Vijyaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwa Vidyalya, Gwalior (M.P.). The purpose of the experiment was to determine how different foliar treatment concentrations of boron, zinc, and manganese affected the production characteristics and yield of the potato variety Kufri Chipsona-1 in Gwalior climate conditions. Eight foliar spray treatments of micronutrients were included in the experiment. Three replications of each of these treatments were arranged in a Randomized Block Design and statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance methods. 'F' test was used to determine treatment significance. The application of zinc, manganese, and boron had a substantial impact on the yield characteristics and yield of potatoes, according to the treatment. In treatment T8 (Boron + Zinc + Manganese), the highest number of tubers (27.67/plant) and weights of tubers (680 g/plant) were noted. It is determined that using boron, zinc, and manganese would increase crop yields in potato farming under the climatic circumstances of Gwalior.

Effect of Foliar Application of Boron, Zinc and Manganese on Dry Matter Accumulation, Total Tuber Yield and Economic Feasibility of Potato (Solanum tuberosum) cv. Kufri Chipsona – 1 under Gwalior Climatic Conditions

The present experiment was carried out at All India Coordinated Research Project on Potato running in the Department of Horticulture, Rajmata Vijyaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwa Vidyalya, Gwalior (M.P.) during Rabi 2018-19. The purpose of the experiment was to determine how different foliar treatment concentrations of boron, zinc, and manganese affected the production characteristics and yield of the potato variety Kufri Chipsona-1 in Gwalior climate conditions. Eight foliar spray treatments of micronutrients were included in the experiment. Three replications of each of these treatments were arranged in a Randomised Block Design. The use of zinc, manganese, and boron had a substantial impact on potato economics and overall tuber output, according to the data. Treatment T8 (Boron + Zinc + Manganese) had the highest overall tuber yield (30.57 t/ha), dry matter of tuber (250 g/kg), net profit (Rs 193541/ha), and B:C ratio (1.7). It has been determined that using boron, zinc, and manganese would increase crop production and yield profit in potato cultivation under the Gwalior climate.

Effect of planting density and micronutrient application on growth, physiological parameters and yield of rice (Oryza sativa)

The field experiments were conducted during the rainy (kharif) seasons of 2019 and 2020 at crop research centre (CRC) of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh to study the effect of seedling density and micronutrient application on growth, physiological parameters and yield of basmati rice (Oryza sativa L). Three planting densities, viz. 1 seedling per hill, 2 seedlings per hill and 3 seedlings per hill and 5 foliar application of micronutrient [MN0-control; MN1, B @0.04% and Fe @0.1% at maximum tillering (MT) stage; MN2, B @0.04% and Fe @0.1% at panicle initiation (PI) stage; MN3, Fe @0.1% at maximum tillering stage (MT) and B @0.04% at panicle initiation (PI) stage and MN4, B @0.04% and Fe @0.1% at maximum tillering (MT) and panicle initiation (PI) stages] were tested in a split plot design, keeping as main plots and sub plots, respectively with 3 replications. The growth, physiological traits and yield of basmati rice were significantly influenced by varying planting density and micronutrients application through leaves, as indicated by the outcomes of the experiments. Growth and physiological parameters such as dry matter accumulation, leaf area index, plant height, chlorophyll content, crop growth rate and relative growth rate increased through the application of boron and iron, being highest in foliar spray of 0.04% B and 0.1% Fe at both the stages (MT and PI). Of the different seedling densities, 3 seedlings per hill resulted in significantly higher grain yield (5.0 and 5.1 t/ha) during 1st and 2nd year, respectively. In both the years, the highest grain and straw yield were observed by using 3 seedlings per hill along with a foliar application of 0.04% B and 0.1% Fe during the MT and PI stages.

Effect of Foliar Application of Zinc and Boron on Growth Attributes and Yield of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Varieties

A field experiment was conducted on loamy sandy soil during the winter season at Agricultural Farm of Palli Siksha Bhavana, Visva-Bharati, Sriniketan, Birbhum, West Bengal, India to evaluate the effect of foliar application of zinc and boron on growth attributes and yield of chickpea. In this experiment, 4 varieties of chickpea (Anuradha, ICPK, JSKB and RVSJ4-102) were applied with Zn and B ((Zinc 0.5%, Boron 0.1%, Zinc 0.5%+Boron 0.1% along with control) through foliar application at branching time and pre-flowering stage. The experiment findings revealed that the Variety RVSJ4-102 gave higher plant height (20.98cm), dry matter accumulation (114.49 g/m-2), leaf area index (1.27), chlorophyll content (2.25 mg/g fresh leaf) and yield (26.28 q/ha) of chickpea compared to other variety. However, foliar application of (zinc 0.5%+boron 0.1%) had significant effect in influencing the growth attributes and yield of chickpea followed by single application of zinc 0.5% and boron 0.1% as compared to control. Foliar application of (zinc 0.5%+boron 0.1%) produced 26.47 % higher seed yield than control. This experiment suggested that the combined single foliar application of (zinc 0.5% + boron 0.1%) prove best treatment as compared to individual application of zinc 0.5% and boron 0.1%.

Influence of foliar application of boron, iron and magnesium on quality attributes and leaf nutrient status of guava cv. Hisar Surkha

Foliar application of nutrients escalates efficient use of nutrients along with quick response. An experiment was undertaken to study the effect of foliar application of mineral nutrients viz., boron (B), magnesium (Mg) and iron (Fe) sprayed at different growth stages viz., at fruit set and one month after first spray at the experimental orchard of Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana during year 2020–21 and 2021–2022. The experiment was conducted in a Randomized Block Design with 21 treatments and 3 replications with a spacing of 6 × 6 m. Foliar sprays with boron, magnesium and iron significantly affected the physio-chemical properties of the fruits. Total soluble solids, TSS acidity ratio, ascorbic acid, total sugar, reducing sugar, non-reducing sugar and pectin content were found to be maximum under the treatment T21 [FeSO4 (0.5%) + H3BO3 (0.5%) + MgSO4 (0.5%)] while in case of titratable acidity was found significantly lowest under the treatment T21 [FeSO4 (0.5%) + H3BO3 (0.5%) + MgSO4 (0.5%)]. Treatments also affected the leaf chlorophyll content and leaf nutrient status significantly. It can be concluded from this study that foliar sprays of boron, magnesium and iron are beneficial for improving fruit quality, leaf chlorophyll content and leaf nutrient status of guava cv. Hisar Surkha. Further, 0.5 per cent each of FeSO4, H3BO3 and MgSO4 foliar sprays two times at one month’s interval can obtain the best results in terms of quality of fruits.

Boron seed coating combined with seed inoculation with boron tolerant bacteria (Bacillus sp. MN-54) and maize stalk biochar improved growth and productivity of maize (Zea mays L.) on saline soil

Salinity exerts significant negative impacts on growth and productivity of crop plants and numerous management practices are used to improve crop performance under saline environments. Micronutrients, plant growth promoting bacteria and biochar are known to improve crop productivity under stressful environments. Maize (Zea mays L.) is an important cereal crop and its productivity is adversely impacted by salinity. Although boron (B) application, seed inoculation with boron-tolerant bacteria (BTB) and biochar are known to improve maize growth under stressful environments, there is less information on their combined impact in enhancing maize productivity on saline soils. This study investigated the impact of B seed coating combined with seed inoculation with BTB + biochar on maize productivity under saline soil. Four B seed coating levels [0.0 (no seed coating), 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 g B kg−1 seed], and individual or combined application of 5 % (w/w) maize stalk biochar, and seed inoculation with Bacillus sp. MN-54 BTB were included in the study. Different growth and yield attributes and grain quality were significantly improved by seed coating with 1.5 B kg−1 seed coupled with biochar + BTB. Seed coating with 1.5 B kg−1 seed combined with biochar + BTB improved stomatal conductance by 32 %, photosynthetic rate by 15 %, and transpiration ratio by 52 % compared to seed coating (0 B kg−1 seed) combined with biochar only. Similarly, the highest plant height (189 cm), number of grain rows cob−1 (15.5), grain yield (54.9 g plant−1), biological yield (95.5 g plant−1), and harvest index (57.6 %) were noted for B seed coating (1.5 g B kg−1 seed) combined with biochar + BTB inoculation. The same treatment resulted in the highest grain protein and B contents. It is concluded that B seed coating at 1.5 g B kg−1 seed combined with biochar + BTB inoculation could significantly improve yield and quality of maize crop on saline soils. However, further field experiments investigating the underlying mechanisms are needed to reach concrete conclusions and large-scale recommendations.

ROLE OF ORGANIC FERTILIZER AND BORON FOLIAR APPLICATION ON GROWTH AND PRODUCTIVITY OF POTATO FOR PROCESSING

This research was carried out at University of Baghdad - College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences during the fall season of 2020 and spring season of 2021 in order to evaluate the effect of organic fertilizer and the foliar application of boron on the growth and yield of industrial potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.). Using factorial experiment (5*4) within Randomized Complete Block Design with three replicates, the organic fertilizer (palm fronds peat) was applied at four levels (0, 12, 24, and 36 ton ha-1) in addition to the treatment of the recommended of chemical fertilizer. The foliar application of Boron was applied at four concentrations which were 0, 100, 150 and 200 mg (H3Bo3). L-1. The results Revealed a significant increase under the application of organic fertilizer at the level of 24 ton.ha-1 and the foliar application of boron at a concentration of 100 mg. L-1 (O24B100) on plant height, main branches number, and leaves number, which was reflected on the increase of vegetative dry weight and then the yield of potato (63.67 cm and 57.00 cm plant-1), (4.89 and 5.22 stem. plant-1), (66.50, and 55.67 leaf. plant-1), (113.38 and 108.49 g. plant-1), (44.17 and 59.48 ton.ha-1) for both seasons, respectively. It also recorded a Significant differences in the chemical parameters in the leaves, as Chlorophyll reached (265.51 and 203.12 mg.100 g-1 wet weight), N (4.883 and 2.293%), P (0.577 and 0.413%), K (2.467 and 2.660%) and B (65.60 and 63.56 mg. kg-1) for both seasons, respectively.

Effect of Organic Manure and Foliar Application of Boron on Morphological and Economic Parameters of Sindh-1 and CKC-3 Cultivars of Cotton Under Semi-arid Climate

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) has a central position in agriculture, similarly it adds to Pakistan’s economy as trade profit. Most of the cotton growing areas of Pakistan are deficient in organic matter due to continuous mono-cropping. Concerning these issues, a one-year field research was conducted during Kharif season in 2021 to evaluate the effect of organic manure and foliar application of boron on morphological and economic characters of CKC-3 and Sindh-1 cultivars under semi-arid climate. Treatments included soil applied farmyard manure (FYM) and foliar application of boron (B): T1 = Control (0 FYM + 0 B), T2 = FYM @10 tons/ha1, T3 = 1% B, T4 = 2% B, T5 = FYM @10 tons/ha1 + 1% B, T6 = FYM@10 tons/ha1 + 2% B. Our results suggested that the treatment of soil applied FYM and foliar applied B @ FYM 10 tons/ha1 + 2% B significantly (P≤0.05) influence the morphological characters including, sympodial branches per plant, opened bolls per plant, seed cotton weight per plant (g), seed cotton yield (kg ha-1), lint yield per plant (g), and GOT (%) of both Sindh-1 and CKC-3 cultivars of cotton. However, CKC-3 performed better than Sindh-1 cultivar in most of the growth and yield related parameters under different treatment regimes. Hence, the optimum FYM and B foliar application levels for economical cotton production was considered to be FYM @10 tons/ha1 + 2% boron along with recommended dose of NPK fertilizers under semi-arid climate.

Effect of Irrigation Frequencies and Foliar Application of Zinc and Boron on Growth and Yield of Yellow Sarson (Brassica rapa)

A field experiment was carried out during the winter (Rabi) season of 2021-22 on sandy loam soil at C.S. Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur (U.P.) to study the Growth, yield of Yellow Sarson (Brassica rapa) influenced by different irrigation frequencies and foliar application of micronutrients (Zinc and Boron). Three irrigation (main plot) and four micronutrients level (sub plot) treatments were tested with "Split Plot Design" to know the influence of irrigation frequencies and micronutrients level on Yellow Sarson. To assess the effect of irrigation frequencies on yellow sarson, the treatment included IR1(one irrigation at 30 DAS), IR2(two irrigations at 30 and 55 DAS) and IR3 (three irrigations at 30 DAS, 55 DAS and 90 DAS) and to assess the effect of micronutrients level, the treatments were F0 (control), F1(0.5% zinc at 30-35 and 40-45 DAS) and F2(0.2% boron at 30-35 and 40-45 DAS) and F3(0.5% zinc+0.2% boron at 30-35 and 40-45 DAS). Treatment IR3 was found to be significantly superior to IR2 and IR1 treatments. The maximum seed yield was with the three irrigation frequencies IR3 (30+55+90 DAS) which were higher by 10.56 and 37.23 per cent than IR2 and IR1 treatments respectively. Regarding micronutrients the maximum seed yield was obtained in F3 treatment which was higher by 8.21, 14.42 and 21.78 percent than F2, F1 and F0 treatments in a relative manner. The maximum seed yield was obtained with IR3 X F3 interaction which was higher by 21.70, 13.20 and 7.92 per cent than then IR3F0, IR3F1, and IR3F2 treatment combination.

The Impact of Varied Levels and Application Methods of Boric Acid on the Performance and Protein Content

This research investigates the influence of boron (B) application on the yield and protein content of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), a crop of significant importance due to its high protein and essential amino acid content. The study underscores boron's crucial, albeit still unclear, role in plant growth, and notes the damage boron deficiency and excess can cause, such as thickened stems, rough leaf tissues, stunted growth, and leaf scorching. Highlighting the plant species-dependent variance in optimal boron requirements, with legumes including common bean often needing more, the study reveals that a foliar application of 0.05% boric acid concentration, applied twice post-emergence, maximizes seed yield, while higher concentrations are detrimental. The research thus emphasizes the necessity of striking a balance in boron application to avoid either deficiency or toxicity, offering insights into appropriate boron dosage and application method for effective common bean cultivation. By contributing to a broader understanding of boron's role in common bean production and offering directions for optimized fertilization practices, this study helps improve both crop yield and quality. However, it also signals the need for further exploration of the long-term effects of boron application and its interaction with other nutrients under different environmental conditions.

Doses and application timing of boron on the agronomic characteristics of corn

Corn cultivation holds great economic importance in Brazil, as it is grown throughout the country, covering approximately 21.5 million hectares annually, with a production of 113 million tons in the 2021/2022 harvest. However, crop production is directly linked to plant nutrition, and boron (B) is one of the essential micronutrients for plant development. Its deficiency imposes limitations on Brazilian agricultural crops. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the vegetative and productive characteristics of corn in response to the application of different doses of boron at different application timings. The experimental design used was completely randomized, in a 3x5 factorial scheme, with 4 replications, consisting of the combination of 5 doses of B (0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kg ha-1) applied in the sowing furrow and at the V4 and V7 phenological stages. Plant height, first ear insertion height, stem diameter, number of rows per ear, number of grains per row, number of grains per ear, ear weight, grain weight per plant, and 100-grain weight were evaluated. No significant differences were observed between the doses and/or timing of boron application in the hybrid corn used in this study.

Exploring the effect of zinc and boron application on oil contents, protein contents, growth and yield of sunflower

Sunflower is sensitive to boron (B) and zinc (Zn) deficiency when grown on deficient soil, A field experiment was conducted to determine the main and interactive effects of soil applied Zn and B on total production of sunflower at Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. Experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBI) with factorial arrangement using three replications with net plot size of 6 m x 4.5 m. The soil application of variable levels of Zn (0, 10, 20 and 30 kg ha-1) and B (0, 1, 2 and 3 kg ha-1) in the form of zinc sulphate and boric acid, respectively were applied at time of sowing. All other agronomic and plant protection practices were kept uniform. The data regarding growth, yield and quality parameters were noted by using standard procedures. Results showed that Zn @ 20 kg ha-1 and B @ 3 kg ha-1 significantly increased the number of plants per plot at harvest, stem diameter, head diameter, number of achenes per head, 1000-achene weight, biological yield and days to maturity, achene yield kg per, harvest index, leaf concentrations or Zn at heading stage, leaf concentrations of B at heading stage (ppm), achene oil content (%), achene protein contents as compared to control. This study concluded that higher growth and yield of sunflower can be achieved by application of Zn at 20 kg ha-1 and B at 3 kg ha-1 under Faisalabad conditions.

Impact of Boron and Zinc on Vegetables: A Review

Micronutrients are necessary for the development and continued existence of plant life, as well as the nourishment of crops. Boron and zinc are found to have beneficial effects on the growth, production, and quality of a wide variety of crops, such as tomatoes, chilies, brinjal, cauliflower, broccoli, okra, and carrots, amongst many others. The different studies show that boron in soil and foliar increases tomato vegetative growth and production. Boron 2 kg/ha in the soil and 150 ppm or 3.8 mg/L foliar spray improve yield. According to investigations, adding boron to chilli at 1-3 kg/ha increases yield. Boron, vermicompost, and magnesium are also claimed to increase yields in significant amount. The applying boron on brinjal produced a significantly higher yield, 26% yield increase over control. Applying borax in the soil and foliar concentration at 100 ppm increases cauliflower output and improves its vegetative characteristics. 100 ppm zinc foliar spray increases production by 150-200% in tomato. However, zinc treatment improves vegetative development and reproductive traits, directly increasing tomato output. Zinc applied at 0.5 to 0.75 % to chili increased overall yield significantly.it is also found that application of the zinc in bottle gourd, broccoli and okra found to be beneficial in increasing the overall production which will cause the benefit to the farmer. Concluding that the application of boron and zinc on vegetables found to be significantly beneficial in various ways as per discussed in the review.

Ameliorative Role of Boron on Morpho-physiological Characters of Mandarin Orange Seedlings under Aluminium Stress Condition

Darjeeling mandarin orange is well known for its unique and delicious taste. It is also considered as one of the major cash crop of Darjeeling hills. But in recent past, the production has been declined drastically due to some of the biotic and abiotic factors. Acidic soils are mainly confined in this region which has a complex interaction of growth limiting factors that can restricts growth by inducing stress on plants through triggering aluminium stress and micronutrient Deficiency. This has resulted in declination in production and quality of mandarin orange grown in foothills of Darjeeling. Since boron is known to act as ameliorative role under aluminium toxicity, the present study was investigated to understand the effect of boron in mandarin orange seedlings grown under aluminium stress condition. Seedlings of Darjeeling mandarin orange were fertilized with Hoagland solution containing four levels of boron (i.e, 0µM, 5µM, 10µM and 25µM H3BO3) and two level of Aluminium (i.e., 0µM and 1200µM AlCl3.6 H2O) up to 22 weeks. Seedlings without boron and aluminium was treated as the control. Aluminium at higher concentration severely hinder physiological changes in terms of shoot length, leave numbers, leaf area, fresh shoot, root weight, chlorophyll content and carotenoid of mandarin seedlings. However, the application of boron improved the physiological attributes under higher concentration of aluminium. Furthermore, application of boron concentration at 10µM proved to be better treatment for mandarin seedlings grown under aluminium stress condition.

Effect of Alternate Bearing Phenomenon and Boron Foliar Application on Nitrogen-15 Uptake, Translocation and Distribution in Mango Tree (cv. Zebda)

The objectives of this investigation are to study nitrogen uptake, translocation, accumulation and distribution in mango tree organs using labeled nitrogen (15N) and to understand the mechanism of boron action in increasing fruit yield in the off-year. A field experiment was conducted using fifteen-year-old mango trees (cv. Zebda) grown at Al Malak Valley Farm, El-Sharkeya Governorate-Egypt. Treatments included the application of (15NH4)2SO4, “in the on-year”, at a rate of 50 g nitrogen/tree through the stem injection technique. While boron was sprayed on the same trees “in the off-year” at the following rates: 0.0 (control), 250 and 500 mg·L–1. The authors hypothesize that boron and nitrogen act synergistically to increase mango fruit yield in the off-year. Results indicated that the highest 15N uptake and accumulation in the on and off-years was observed in the upper (young leaves). When boron was applied at 250 mg·L–1, in the off-year, the upper (young leaves) recorded the highest 15N uptake and accumulation (%15Ndff = 13.93) relative to the other two leaf categories and those of the on-year. In the on-year fruit accumulated higher 15N than leaf or bud. In the off-year, bud exhibited the highest 15N accumulation without boron application, while leaves exhibited the highest 15N with boron application. The highest %15Ndff in all tree organs was observed at 250 mg·L–1 boron rate. Boron increased nitrogen uptake, translocation and accumulation in mango tree organs. A synergistic relationship was observed between boron and nitrogen which led to an increase in fruit yield in the off-year.

Effect of Rate and Method of Zinc and Boron Application on the Yield Performance of Mustard

Zinc (Zn) and boron (B) deficiency are widespread nutritional disorders in crop plants, including mustard. However, Zn-B interaction on the performance of mustard crops is not well documented. A field experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, during November 2021 to February 2022 to evaluate the effect of rate and method of Zn and B application on the yield performance of mustard (BARI Sarisha-18). The experiment comprised nine doses of Zn & B as a basal and foliar application viz., recommended Zn (2 kg ha-1) and B (2 kg ha-1) as basal, 75% Zn and B as basal + 25% Zn and B foliar spray at pre- flowering stage, 50% Zn and B as basal + 50% Zn and B foliar spray, 100% Zn and B as basal + 25% Zn and B foliar spray, 100% Zn and B as basal + 25% Zn foliar spray, 100% Zn and B as basal + 25% B foliar spray, 100% Zn as basal (without B), 100% B as basal (without Zn), control (no Zn and B). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The result revealed that yield was influenced significantly by the rate and method of Zn and B application. The highest plant height (140.57 cm), the maximum number of branches plant-1 (5.84), maximum number of effective pods plant-1 (87.57), maximum number of seeds pod-1(31.53), the highest seed yield (1.85 t ha-1) and the highest stover yield (4.47 t ha-1) were obtained from 100% Zn and B as basal + 25% Zn as foliar. The lowest number of seeds pod -1 (27.20), 1000-seed weight (3.35 g), seed yield (1.33 t ha-1) and stover yield (3.35 t ha-1) were obtained from the control treatment. The result showed that the seed yield of mustard increased with increasing levels of both Zn and B as basal 100% with only Zn 25% as foliar, respectively. Therefore, 100% zinc combined with 100% B as basal and 25% Zn foliar application may be recommended for higher seed yield of mustard (cv. BARI Sarisha-18).