Boron deficiency-Cauliflower | Yara New Zealand

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Nutrients

Cauliflower - Deformation

Symptoms
Boron deficiency symptoms start on the younger leaves. They remain small, are stiff and light green. Margins turn reddish or brown. Older leaves are curled down and may show reddish discoloration or chlorosis. Development of curds is retarded and only light curds are built. They are more or less brown. Several leaves and bracts penetrate curd surface. Taste is bitter. Boron deficiency on cauliflower results in high yield losses.

Reasons
Boron deficiency on cauliflower High pH-values of soils promote boron deficiency on broccoli and cauliflower.

Cauliflower - Deformation

Symptoms
Boron deficiency symptoms start on the younger leaves. They remain small, are stiff and margins turn reddish or brown. Development of curds is retarded and only light curds are built. Older leaves are curled down and may show chlorosis or reddish discoloration. Boron deficiency on cauliflower results in high yield losses.

Reasons
Boron deficiency on cauliflower (right) compared to optimum supply (left) High pH-values of soils promote boron deficiency.

Cauliflower - Growth retardation

Symptoms
Boron deficiency symptoms start on the younger leaves. They remain small. Starting on margins they turn brown or reddish. Development of curds is retarded and only light curds are built. In case of severe deficiency growing point dies off - as seen on the photo. Older leaves may show chlorosis or reddish discoloration. Big veins of leaves and petioles are coarse and corky. Boron deficiency on cauliflower results in high yield losses.

Reasons
Severe boron deficiency in cauliflower. High pH-values of soils promote boron deficiency.

Cauliflower - Hollowness

Symptoms
Boron deficiency on cauliflower leads to hollow stems. First within the stems watery tissue arises, which turns brown or sometimes black in process of time. Then affected tissue dehumidifies and hollow areas develop. Brown patches are visible within the stem.

Reasons
Boron deficiency on cauliflower High pH-values of soils promote boron deficiency on broccoli and cauliflower.

Cauliflower - Deformation

Symptoms
Young seedlings with Boron deficiency show stunted growth and severe leaf deformations. Leaf blades are reduced and cupped upwards.

Reasons
Boron deficiency Symptoms of Molybdenum deficiency look similar.

Cauliflower - Deformation

Symptoms
Young seedlings with Boron deficiency show stunted growth and severe leaf deformations. Leaf blades are reduced and cupped upwards.

Reasons
Boron deficiency on young plants Symptoms of Molybdenum deficiency look similar.

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

Stabilization of plant tissues and improved plant and crop strength, working together with Ca
Reducing effects of nutritional disorders such as tip burn and hollow heart
Probably minimizing club root
Increased crop quality and yield

Yara recommended fertilizers for Boron

YaraVita BORTRAC 150

Cauliflower: 3 l/ha at 4 to 6 leaf stage with repeat applications at the above rate at 10 to 14 day intervals for moderate to severe deficiency. Water rate: 50 to 200 l/ha.

YaraVita BRASSITREL PRO

Cauliflower: 3 to 4 l/ha as early in the growing season as possible, provided there is adequate leaf cover to intercept the spray (e.g. 4 to 6 leaf stage). Repeat as necessary at 10 to 14 day intervals up to one month before harvest. Water rate: 200 l/ha.

Other recommended products

YaraVita MOLYBOR

Cauliflower: 2 to 3 l/ha applied at the 4 to 6 leaf stage. Repeat at 14 day intervals if necessary. Water rate: 200 l/ha.

YaraLiva NITRABOR

YARA SOLUBLE BORON

Cauliflower: 3 kg/ha at 4 to 6 leaf stage, repeated once or twice at 10 to 14 day intervals for moderate to severe deficiency. Water rate: 50 to 200 l/ha.