Premium Crop Research Articles

Effect of different sources of organic manures on growth and yield of Broccoli

Indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers is a common practice that is hazardous both for soil health and the environment. It has been more than three decades that global agriculture has been depicted towards organic agriculture owing to sustainability and reduced environmental effects. An experiment was conducted in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications to study the effect of different sources of organic nutrients on growth and yield of broccoli. The experiment consisted of five different sources of manures; control (no manure), cowdung (25 t/ha), Trichoderma compost (10 t/ha), vermicompost (12 t/ha) and poultry litter (14 t/ha) along with two cultivars of broccoli; ‘Imperial’ and ‘Premium Crop’. Different sources of manures and cultivars had significant influence on plant height, height up to curd, number of leaves per plant, length of leaf, breadth of leaf, plant canopy, diameter of curd, diameter of stem, weight of primary curd, number of secondary curds, weight of secondary curd, yield per plant, yield per unit plot and yield per hectare. The maximum yield (17.32 t/ha) was obtained from vermicompost, followed by poultry litter in ‘Premium Crop’ (15.68 t/ha) cultivar. The minimum yield (6.62 t/ha) was recorded by no manure in ‘Imperial’. Control treatment showed the lowest values for all the parameters studied. Combination of vermicompost and ‘Premium Crop’ cultivar was found the best among all other treatment combinations, including in respect of net return (Tk. 234099/ha) and BCR (3.08). Res. Agric. Livest. Fish. Vol. 11, No. 2, August 2024: 197-204

Enhancement of nutrient use efficiency with biochar and wood vinegar: A promising strategy for improving soil productivity.

The co-application of biochar and wood vinegar has demonstrated the potential to enhance premium crop production. The present study reveals the effects of co-applying rice husk biochar and wood vinegar (both foliar and soil application) on soil properties and the growth of Chinese cabbage (Brassica chinensis L.) in a two-season pot experiment. The soil pH, electrical conductivity and dissolved organic carbon contents in combination treatments of wood vinegar and biochar were increased more when wood vinegar was applied to soils rather than to leaves, and the parameters were observed to surpass those for chemical fertilizer treatments. The biomass of Chinese cabbage shoots was significantly increased by 60.8- and 27.3-fold in the combined treatments compared to the control when 1% wood vinegar was sprayed to the leaves (WF1) in 2022 and 2023, respectively. Higher contents of vitamin C, soluble protein and soluble sugar were also observed in the combined wood vinegar and biochar treatments compared to chemical fertilizer treatments and the control; for example, the vitamin C content of plant shoot in WF1 was 21.3 times that of the control. The yield and quality of plants were decreased across all treatments in 2023 compared to 2022 but the combination treatments still displayed superiority. The co-application of wood vinegar and biochar enhances the growth and improve the quality of Chinese cabbage through improving the soil properties and plant photosynthesis. Moreover, the foliage application of wood vinegar is more preferable compared to soil application. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Reducing preharvest food losses in spinach with the implementation of high tunnels

Preharvest losses of fruits and vegetables constitute a considerable amount of the total food losses that occur in the food chain. Preharvest losses are typically related to a decrease and/or loss of marketable yield due to reduced crop performance and/or crop damage related to weather and/or pests and plant diseases. However, physical and nutritional quality are also important parameters that can contribute to food losses. There are numerous reports in the literature that indicate that small-acreage farmers in the U.S. can utilize high tunnels to increase the yield of various fruit and vegetable crops. However, it is unclear if the high tunnel production system affects the preharvest food losses of spinach, particularly in regard to physical and nutritional quality. The goal of this study was to examine the effect of the high tunnel production system on preharvest food losses of fall-planted spinach, Spinacia oleracea, cv. ‘Corvair’. Comparative open field and high tunnel trials were conducted at the Kansas State University Olathe Horticulture Research and Extension Center from 2014 to 2017 (three growing seasons). A systems approach was utilized, consisting of six replications per production system. The experiments were conducted using organic production practices. Spinach quality was assessed on the day of harvest during years 2 and 3 of the experiment. Spinach leaves were harvested at full maturity and the preharvest losses were evaluated in regards to yield, percent marketability and physical and nutritional quality. Spinach grown in the high tunnels had 126 %–528.6 % higher marketable yield (P < 0.001) and 11.5 %–26.5 % higher percent marketability (P < 0.001) when compared to open field production during the three years of the study. The high tunnels produced spinach with 30%–50% larger leaves (P < 0.001) and 2.1%–2.4% higher water content (P < 0.001) when compared to spinach grown in the open field. Spinach grown in the open field plots had significantly higher antioxidant capacity (ORAC & FRAP) in both years. There was an inconsistent effect on total phenolic content and ascorbic acid content, with these phytochemicals demonstrating significantly higher values for the open field plots in one of the two years examined. Our results indicate that using high tunnels for production of spinach can reduce the preharvest food losses as the results of increased productivity and marketability and premium crop quality.

Postharvest UV-C Irradiation Delays Senescence and Maintains Nutritional Properties of Broccoli Florets

ABSTRACTHealth promoting bioactive compounds in broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) florets decrease in nutritional value after harvest. Ultraviolet (UV)-C radiation (254 nm) is a physical technology to extend postharvest life of vegetables. Broccoli florets from cv. Premium Crop, were treated with 0 m−2·s−1 (control), 1.5, 4.5, or 10 kJ·m−2·s−1 of UV-C and subsequently stored at 4°C for 12 days. All treatments increased total polyphenols content and increased up to 21% above the initial value during storage. The higher the UV-C dose, the higher the total antioxidant capacity values that were reached. Generally total chlorophyll content decreased, but higher chlorophyll retention was when broccoli florets were radiated with 4.5 and 10 kJ·m−2·s−1 of UV-C. Treatment with UV-C of 10 kJ·m−2·s−1 caused the highest retention of sugar. Decreasing protein content in broccoli florets during storage occurred but samples treated with 4.5 and 10 kJ·m−2·s−1 had higher protein contents. UV-C treatment is a nonchemical technique to delay senescence and preserve quality and nutritional value of broccoli up to 12 days at 4°C.

Response of Broccoli (&lt;i&gt;Brassica oleracia&lt;/i&gt; L.) to Different Irrigation Regimes

The study was conducted at the experimental field of Horticulture Research Centre, BARI, Gazipur during Rabi seasons in three years (2012 to 2015) to investigate the response of broccoli (cv. Premium crop) under different irrigation regimes. The experiment was conducted in RCBD with five replications. There were four treatments: I1=Irrigation up to FC at 5 days interval after plant establishment (PE), I2= Irrigation up to FC at 10 days interval after PE, I3 = Irrigation up to FC at 15 days interval after PE and I4= Irrigation up to FC at 20 days interval after PE. A significant response of broccoli to different irrigation levels was observed. Among the different treatments, I2 (irrigation at 10 days interval) was significantly better yielding (19.98 t/ha, 20.63 t/ha and 16.24 t/ha in 1st, 2nd and 3rd year, respectively). The lowest yields were observed from the treatment I4 each in all 3 years. The highest seasonal water (382.30 mm, 296.58 mm and 305.00 mm in 1st, 2nd and 3rd year) were used in treatment I1 and the lowest (204.60 mm, 185.66 mm and 179.77mm in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd year) were used in treatment I4, I3 and I3, respectively. The results suggest that irrigation at 10 days interval (I2) might be optimum irrigation schedule for broccoli production on the basis of gross return. But in respect of economic profitability, the highest marginal rate of return is obtained from treatment I3.The Agriculturists 2016; 14(1) 98-106

Effect of planting dates on the yield of broccoli genotypes

This experiment was conducted during September, 2011 to March, 2012 in the experimental field of Department of Horticulture, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University (BSMRAU), Gazipur to find out the effect of planting date on the yield of broccoli genotypes. There were five genotypes viz. Early green, Forest green, Green calabrese, Premium crop and Green king and four planting dates viz. 2 October, 27 October, 21 November and 16 December. The treatment effects were statistically analyzed and found significant in most of the characters studied. Genotype Green calabrese was the highest in average plant height (53.70 cm). Green king produced the maximum spread diameter (69.23 cm), stem diameter (30.35 mm) and early initiation of floral head. Genotype Early green performed the best regarding head weight (343.87 g), yield per plant (477.4 g) and yield (19.10 t/ha). Broccoli planted on 21 November initiated early flower head, maximum head diameter (16.99 cm), head weight (314.49 g), yield per plant (453.64 g) and total yield (18.15 t/ha). The genotype Early green planted on 21 November showed the best performance in yield per plant (580.17 g) and yield hectare (23.21 t/ha).Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 40(3): 465-478, September 2015

Preliminary assessment of COSII gene diversity in lulo and a relative species: Initial identification of genes potentially associated with domestication

Among the Solanum genus, Solanum quitoense Lam. (lulo) is a promising species of Neotropical Solanaceae to become a premium crop in international markets. Wild relatives of S. quitoense are a source of desirable characteristics to be exploited for genetic improvement. To enhance the understanding of and access to the genetic diversity in landrace and wild relatives of lulo, we estimated the relative sequence diversity among them and their wild relative Solanum hirtum. With the use of COSII markers, we established that diversity of cultivated lulo ( S. quitoense) is significantly lower than that of its wild relative S. hirtum. In the same way, we found that diversity of lulo is similar to that previously reported for tomato, while the diversity of S. hirtum is comparable to that of other wild relatives of cultivated plants. Our results suggest that high variability of some genes associated to abiotic stress response and pathogen resistance has been favored in wild and cultivated lulo plants.

Impact of Glucosinolate Content in Broccoli (Brassica oleracea (Italica Group)) on Growth of Pseudomonas marginalis, a Causal Agent of Bacterial Soft Rot.

Glucosinolate degradation products are known to suppress microbes. Brassica species produce glucosinolates. Previous investigations determined that susceptibility to bacterial soft rot of broccoli (Brassica oleracea (Italica group)) varied significantly by cultivar. To evaluate the impact of glucosinolates on Pseudomonas marginalis, a causal agent of bacterial soft rot, glucosinolates were measured in lyophilized florets from broccoli 'Arcadia', 'Emperor', 'Green Comet', 'Green Valiant', 'Marathon', 'Packman', 'Premium Crop', and 'Shogun'. Total glucosinolate content was highest in 'Shogun' (29.8 μmol/g) and lowest in 'Emperor' (0.5 μmol/g). In an in vitro assay, simple linear regression analysis showed that 48% of differences in suppression of P. marginalis growth could be explained by differences in total glucosinolate content (P ≤ 0.01). Plant breeding efforts should include glucosinolate levels as a factor in selecting for disease resistance.

Predicting broccoli development: II. Comparison and validation of thermal time models

Models predicting broccoli ontogeny and maturity should ideally be precise and readily adopted by farmers and researchers. The objective of this study was to compare the predictive accuracy of thermal time models for three broccoli ( Brassica oleracea L. var. italica Plenck) cultivars (‘Fiesta’, ‘Greenbelt’ and ‘Marathon’) from emergence to harvest maturity (Model 1), from emergence to floral initiation (Model 2), and from floral initiation to harvest maturity (Model 3). Comparisons were also made between Model 1 and Model 4 (Models 2 and 3 combined). Model 1 is useful when the timing of floral initiation is not known. When Model 1 was tested using independent data from 1983 to 1984 sowings of three cultivars (‘Premium Crop’, ‘Selection 160’ and ‘Selection 165A’), it predicted harvest maturity well. Prediction of floral initiation using Model 2 is useful for timing cultural practices, frost and heat avoidance. Where timing of floral initiation was recorded, predictions of harvest maturity were most precise using Model 3, since the variation which occurred from emergence to floral initiation was removed. The good predictions for Model 4 suggests that it would best predict the chronological duration from emergence to harvest maturity.

Inhibition of Pythium ultimum and Rhizoctonia solani by Shredded Leaves of Brassica Species

The U.S. Clean Air Act bans the use of methyl bromide after 2005. Consequently, the development of alternative methods for control of soilborne pathogens is imperative. One alternative is to exploit the pesticidal properties of Brassica L. species. Macerated leaves (10 g) from `Premium Crop' broccoli [B. oleracea L. (Botrytis Group)], `Charmant' cabbage [B. oleracea L. (Capitata Group)], `Michihili Jade Pagoda' Chinese cabbage [B. rapa L. (Pekinensis Group)], `Blue Scotch Curled' kale [B. oleracea L. (Acephala Group)], Indian mustard [B. juncea (L.) Czerniak, unknown cultivar] or `Florida Broadleaf' mustard [B. juncea (L.) Czerniak] were placed in 500-mL glass jars. Petri dishes with either Pythium ultimum Trow or Rhizoctonia solani Kühn plugs on potato-dextrose agar were placed over the jar mouths. Radial growth of both fungi was suppressed most by Indian mustard. Volatiles were collected by solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) comprised &gt;90% of the volatiles measured from `Florida Broadleaf' mustard and Indian mustard whereas (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate was the predominant compound emitted by the other species. Isothiocyanates were not detected by SPME from `Premium Crop' broccoli and `Blue Scotch Curled' kale although glucosinolates were found in freeze-dried leaves of all species. When exposed to AITC standard, P. ultimum growth was partially suppressed by 1.1 μmol·L-1 (μmol AITC/headspace volume) and completely suppressed by 2.2 μmol·L-1 R. solani was partially suppressed by 1.1, 2.2, and 3.3 μmol·L-1 AITC. Use of Brassica species for control of fungal pathogens is promising; the presence of AITC in both lines of B. juncea suppressed P. ultimum and R. solani but some Brassicas were inhibitory even when isothiocyanates were not detected.

Inhibition of Fungal Growth by Macerated Plant Tissues in a Closed Environment

The U.S. Clean Air Act bans the use of methyl bromide after 2001. Consequently, the development of alternative methods for control of soilborne pathogens is imperative. One alternative is to exploit the pesticidal properties of macerated tissues of Brassica spp. This study tested the potential of several Brassica spp. for control of fungal pathogens. Pythium ultimum Trow or Rhizoctonia solani Kühn plugs on potato-dextrose agar on petri dishes were sealed in 500-ml glass jars (at 22 °C) containing macerated leaves (10 g) from one of six Brassica spp. Radial growth was measured 24, 48, and 72 h after inoculation. Indian mustard (B. juncea) was the most suppressive, followed by `Florida Broadleaf' mustard (B. juncea). Volatile compounds in the jars were sampled with a solid-phase microextraction device (SPME) and identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) comprised over 90% of the total volatiles measured from Indian mustard and `Florida Broadleaf' mustard. Isothiocyanates were detected in jars with all plants except broccoli. (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate was emitted by all plants and was the predominant volatile of `Premium Crop' broccoli (B. oleracea L. var. italica), `Michihili Jade Pagoda' Chinese cabbage (B. pekinensis), `Charmant' cabbage (B. oleracea L. var. capitata), and `Blue Scotch Curled' kale (B. oleracea L. var. viridis). To assess the influence of AITC on radial growth of P. ultimum and R. solani, AITC was added to jars to give headspace concentrations of 0.10, 0.20, and 0.30 mg·L–1 (mass of AITC per volume of headspace). Growth of both fungi was inhibited by 0.10 mg·L–1 AITC. 0.20 mg·L–1 AITC was fungicidal to P. ultimum although the highest AITC level tested (0.30 mg·L–1) did not terminate R. solani growth. These results indicate that residues from some Brassica spp. may be a viable part of a soilborne pest control strategy.

Evaluation of Repellents for Control of Flea Beetle on Broccoli, Co, 1997

Abstract Broccoli (cv. ‘Premium Crop’) was transplanted on 19 May at the Horticulture Field Research Center in Ft. Collins, CO. Plots consisted of a single row, 20 ft in length (15-in in-row spacing) arranged in RCB design with four replications. Each plot consisted of 16 plants. Repellent treatments were applied on 4, 10, 17, and 27 Jun to point of runoff with a pump mister sprayer. Insect counts were made on 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 17, 18, 20, 23, and 28 Jun, and 4 Jul by whole plant examination of 5 plants in the center of each plot.

Evaluation of Various Repellents for Control of Flea Beetle on Broccoli, 1996

Abstract Broccoli (cv. Premium Crop) was planted on 13 May 1996 at the Horticulture Field Research Center in Ft. Collins, CO. Plots consisted of single 10 ft long rows with 15 in. in-row spacing, arranged in RCB design with six replications. Each plot consisted of 8 plants. Repellent treatments were applied on 20 and 30 May, and 3 and 24 June with hand-held sprayers. Plants were sprayed to the point of drip delivering a spray volume of approximately 167 ml for each plot. Insect counts were made on 21 and 31 May 4, 6, 11, 20, 24, and 28 Jun, and 1 and 11 Jul by whole plant examination of 4 plants in the center of each plot.

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) cultivar response to boron deficiency

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) cultivar, Commander, characterized by low susceptibility to the hollow stem disorder commonly associated with boron (B) deficiency was compared to one with high susceptibility (cv. Stolto) and to two which are grown commercially (cvs. Baccus and Premium Crop). Beginning 3 wk after germination plants grown in a glasshouse in vermiculite were supplied continuously with a nutrient solution containing adequate B (0.5 mg L−1) or none (deficient), or were supplied initially with 0.5 mg B L−1 up to the initiation of inflorescence development after which no B was supplied. All cultivars showed visible symptoms of B deficiency (leaf midrib cracking, stem corkiness, necrotic lesions and hollowing in the stem pith) and reductions in shoot fresh weight with the zero B treatment, but Commander was least affected. Also, the B concentrations of the florets from Commander were highest and showed the lowest percent decline relative to the 0.5 mg B L−1 treatment. When B was removed from the nutrient solution at initiation of inflorescence development, the B concentrations of the florets and young leaves of all cultivars were higher than in the zero B treatment. Compared to the 0.5 mg B L−1 treatment, the B concentrations of old leaves from all cultivars were reduced, but only in Premium Crop was the floret B significantly decreased.Key words: Boron nutrition, Brassica, broccoli, nutrient deficiency, retranslocation

Transplant Age Has Little Effect on Broccoli Head Weight and Diameter

Premature heading of broccoli renders the crop a complete loss to either a commercial grower or home gardener. Two primary causes of premature heading are exposure to low temperature before head initiation (Fontes et al., 1967) and seedling size at transplanting (Baggett and Mack, 1970). The latter observed that larger broccoli plants (33 to 50 g/plant) tended to form heads earlier than smaller plants (4 to 13 g/plant) when exposed to the same conditions. I determined whether severe stunting or hardening of broccoli transplants caused by size restriction in container cells and stress induced by the extreme age of the transplants would affect head size and weight. Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. Italica Plenk.) cultivars evaluated were ‘Bravo’, ‘Premium Crop’, and ‘Green Valiant’. Three container sizes were used: Todd (Speedling, Sun City, Fla.) planter flats 080A (2.0 cm wide × 4.5 cm deep, volume 5.9 cm); Todd 125 (3.2 cm wide × 4.6 cm deep, volume 15.5 cm); and #72 plastic cell pak tray liner (CP) (TLC Polyform, Minneapolis) (3.8 cm wide × 5.0 cm deep, volume 24.1 cm). “Old” (217 and 191 days) and “normal” (16 and 43 days) transplants were used in 1985 and 1986, respectively. The transplants were seeded for Fall 1985 planting on 15 Jan. (old) and 4 Aug. (normal) and for Spring

HISTOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF BORON DEFICIENCY-INDUCED HOLLOW STEM DEVELOPMENT IN BROCCOLI

Broccoli (Brassica oleraceae L. var. Italica cv. `Premium Crop') plants grown in perlite were supplied with nutrient solutions containing three levels of added boron (0.04 (severely deficient), 0.08 (moderately deficient) or 0.80 (normal) mg L-1). These treatments produced plants exhibiting either obvious (0.04 mg L-1) or no visual boron deficiency symptoms (0.08 and 0.80 mg L-1). At horticultural maturity, cross sections were taken in the upper and mid stem regions. The specimens were mounted on slides after being processed through a biological staining series. Boron availability was found to be correlated with the progressive internal deterioration of the stem which was observed histologically. An examination of staining patterns indicated that possibly a lignification process accompanies and contributes to hollow stem development. We have previously noted an increase in phenolic compounds and fiber content of broccoli produced under boron deficient conditions. The histological evidence of lignification further substantiates that boron deficiency induces changes in cell wall structure which may contribute to the development of hollow stem.

Effects of Nitrogen Fertilization on Bacterial Soft Rot in Two Broccoli Cultivars, One Resistant and One Susceptible to the Disease

Sidedress applications of ammonium nitrate increased the incidence and severity of bacterial soft rot (caused by Pseudomonas marginalis) in a susceptible broccoli cultivar, Premium Crop, but had no effect on a resistant one, Shogun. Plots received N in amounts ranging from 19 to 152 kg/ha and were sprinkler-irrigated two to five times a day during head maturation to create conditions conducive to the disease. The length of time necessary for heads to reach harvest maturity decreased with increased N (.)

Force to Shear the Stalk, Stalk Diameter, and Yield of Broccoli in Response to Nitrogen Fertilization and Within-row Spacing

Broccoli [Brassica oleracea L. (Italica Group)] crops may be rejected by wholesale buyers due to unacceptably tough stalks. Four experiments were conducted to examine the effects of various N levels and two within-row spacings (15 and 30 cm) on force to shear the stalk, stalk diameter, and yield of transplanted `Premium Crop' broccoli. Shear was not affected by within-row spacing, and average stalk diameter was decreased only 3 mm by reducing spacing from 30 to 15 cm. Although the 15-cm spacing sometimes produced the greatest total number of marketable, heads, this spacing resulted in higher cull head production, lower average marketable head weight, delayed maturity, and a lower percentage of field-planted transplants producing marketable heads than the 30-cm spacing. Increasing N fertilization decreased force to shear the stalk in only one experiment, when plants were exposed to water deficits and high temperatures. Nitrogen affected stalk diameter only when very low rates (37 and 74 kg·ha-1) were included. Yield of marketable-quality heads often showed no significant response to rates of applied N &gt;112 kg·ha-1, particularly at the 30-cm spacing. Hollow stem was negligible in all experiments.

The influence of boron nutrition on nitrogen partitioning in broccoli plants

Abstract Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var italica cv. Premium Crop) plants were germinated in soil, transferred to vermiculite three weeks later and grown in the greenhouse, supplied continuously with boron concentrations ranging from 0.0 to 12.5 mg L‐1. At commercial maturity, the partitioning of nitrogen into soluble (nitrate, ammonium, amino acids) and insoluble components of the foliage (young and old leaves) and the florets was investigated. Both boron deficiency and toxicity increased the per cent soluble nitrogen, particularly as nitrate. Boron toxicity, but not deficiency, consistently affected the concentration and relative composition of amino acids. The actual nitrogen partitioning, including the relative amino acid composition, was dependent upon the developmental stage and of the plant organs, and whether boron was present in deficient or toxic levels. Together with information about the composition of transport fluids from a previous study, the data are interpreted as evidence for a reduction...

Boron Mobility and Nutrition in Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica cv Premium Crop) plants were germinated in soil, transferred to vermiculite three weeks later and grown in the glasshouse, then either supplied continuously with boron levels ranging from 0.0 (deficient) to 12.5 (toxic) mg l−1 of nutrient solution or transferred from 2.5 to 0.0 mg B l−1 at the initiation of inflorescence development. At commercial maturity the concentrations of various inorganic and organic solutes in phloem exudates and xylem saps, as well as plant characteristics and elemental composition of the various plant parts, were determined. Under deficient B levels leaf midrib and stem corkiness were evident, together with signs of stem pith breakdown, symptoms which resemble the initiation of the hollow stem disorder. The xylem sap B concentration declined by about 50 % when B was not supplied or was removed after a period of adequate supply; the phloem concentration was unaffected. Also, the decreasing B concentration gradients from mature transpiring tissues to young developing sinks disappeared. Therefore, it is concluded that when B is deficient, it is retranslocated from source leaves in the phloem stream supplying the developing leaves and inflorescence. The data also suggested that at toxic levels B undergoes extensive lateral transfer, probably from xylem to xylem, thereby enhancing the B concentration of developing sinks. The B regime influenced dry-matter partitioning, retranslocation of some elements, and the synthesis and distribution of amino acids and sugars, reflecting the general nature of B involvement in plant processes.