Boron deficiencies in crops

Boron (B) is an essential micronutrient for plant development. Although it is required in very small amounts, its role is crucial in many metabolic processes. However, its deficiency is one of the most frequent in crops and can seriously compromise yield and crop quality. Understanding its importance, identifying deficiency symptoms and implementing appropriate strategies for its correction are key to optimizing plant nutrition.

The importance of boron in plants

Boron is a essential element in different physiological processes in plants, including:

1. Cell wall structure and stability. It is a key component in the synthesis and stability of the cell wall, especially in growing tissues. Its absence causes tissue weakness, leading to deformation and loss of firmness in young shoots.
2. Sugar transport and metabolism. It promotes the mobilization of sugars and carbohydrates within the plant, an essential factor for the development of flowers, fruits and roots.
3. Root development. It plays a fundamental role in cell division and root elongation, allowing a more efficient root system for water and nutrient uptake.
4. Flowering and fruit setting. It is decisive in pollen formation and viability, directly influencing fertilization and fruit setting. Boron deficiency reduces floral fertility and causes flower abortion, reducing yield.
5. Regulation of plant hormones. It is involved in the synthesis and functioning of phytohormones such as auxins, essential for plant growth and hormonal balance.

Symptoms of boron deficiency in crops

Boron deficiency appears mainly in actively growing tissues and reproductive organs, as this element has low mobility in the plant. Among the most common symptoms are:

• Deformed leaves and affected terminal shoots: Young leaves may show thickening, marginal necrosis and abnormal curvatures. In severe cases, apical meristems may die.
• Reduced root development: Shorter, thickened roots with reduced uptake capacity.
• Deficiencies in flowering and fruit setting: Reduced pollen viability and floral abortion, reducing crop yield.
• Deformed or cracked fruit: Issues in cell expansion and tissue division, leading to cracked or distorted fruit.

Factors affecting boron availability in the soil

Although boron can be present in the soil, its availability to plants varies according to different factors. In sandy soils with low organic matter content, it tends to leach easily, reducing its concentration in the root zone. In contrast, in clay soils or soils with high organic matter content, boron may be retained and become less accessible to the roots.

Soil pH also affects its availability. In alkaline soils (pH > 7.5), boron becomes less soluble and therefore more difficult for plants to absorb. On the other hand, in acidic soils (pH < 5.5), availability increases but the risk of leaching is higher, which can lead to significant losses of the nutrient.

Climatic conditions and irrigation management are other key factors. During periods of drought, boron uptake is limited due to its low mobility in dry soils. On the other hand, excessive irrigation or heavy rains support leaching, decreasing the amount available to plants. For this reason, it is essential to regulate the amount and frequency of irrigation to avoid both deficiency and loss of the nutrient.

In addition, interaction with other nutrients can affect boron uptake. An excess of calcium, potassium or nitrogen can reduce its availability, either by competition in root absorption or by alterations in the chemical balance of the soil. Maintaining a balanced fertilization program is key to optimizing the uptake of all essential nutrients.

Solutions to correct boron deficiency

To avoid and correct problems related to boron deficiency, it is essential to implement a proper fertilization plan.

Foliar application is a fast and effective strategy in situations of severe deficiency or in critical phenological stages such as flowering and fruit setting. Therefore, applications of easily absorbed boron are recommended.

Herogra Especiales offers Herobor Liquid, a product with boron in the form of ethanolamine that enhances boron absorption and has a high efficiency in the prevention and correction of boron deficiencies in crops.

In irrigation applications, it is recommended to combine Herobor Liquid with humic or fulvic acids to improve absorption and avoid leaching losses.

However, if you are looking to enhance fruiting and fruit setting, Herogra Especiales offers Ecotop, a product that not only incorporates boron, but also other important micronutrients for fruit setting such as zinc and molybdenum, as well as algae and the ST14 enhancer that optimizes proper fruit setting and fruit development.

Boron is an essential nutrient to ensure proper crop development, from root formation to flowering and fruit quality. Proper fertilization management is essential to prevent deficiency problems, enhance fruit setting and maximize yield, incorporating optimal solutions from Herogra Especiales for this purpose.