Onions - Deformation
Symptoms
B deficient plants become deep green and brittle. They can be stunted or distorted.
Causes
Boron Deficiency
B Deficiency is most common on low pH and sandy soils as it is readily leached.
It is important to maintain the correct balance of calcium, nitrogen and boron in the soil. High calcium and high nitrogen levels can reduce boron uptake.
Boron deficiency made worse by
- Sandy soils
- Alkaline soils
- Soils low in organic matter
- High levels of nitrogen
- High levels of calcium
- Cold wet weather
- Periods of drought
Boron is important for
- Carbohydrate metabolism and protein synthesis
- Calcium movement within the plant
- Improved yield and storage quality
- High requirement
