Symptoms
Boron deficiency symptoms start on the younger leaves. They remain small, are curled down and become deformed. The leaves show chlorotic mottling on the edges and between the veins. Necrosis may appear on leaf margins and intercostal fields.
In case of ongoing deficiency only light heads are built and plant growth is severely stunted.
Reasons
Boron deficiency on white cabbage
Boron is readily leached in sandy soils, particularly those in the tropics with low soil pH, CEC or low organic matter contents.
Brassicas need B in relatively large amounts.
Cabbage - Deformation
Symptoms
In case of ongoing B deficiency only light heads are built and plants show a rather loose habitus. Leaf color is brighter than usual.
Reasons
Boron deficiency on white cabbage (right)
Boron is readily leached in sandy soils, particularly those in the tropics with low soil pH, CEC or low organic matter contents.
Brassicas need B in relatively large amounts.
Cabbage - Deformation
Symptoms
In case of ongoing B deficiency only light heads are built and plants show a rather loose habitus. Leaf color is brighter than usual.
Reasons
Boron deficiency on white cabbage
Boron is readily leached in sandy soils, particularly those in the tropics with low soil pH, CEC or low organic matter contents.
Brassicas need B in relatively large amounts.
Cabbage - Chlorosis
Symptoms
In case of ongoing B deficiency only light heads are built and plants show a rather loose habitus. Leaf color is brighter than usual.
Reasons
Boron deficiency on white cabbage
Boron is readily leached in sandy soils, particularly those in the tropics with low soil pH, CEC or low organic matter contents.
Brassicas need B in relatively large amounts.
Cabbage - Chlorosis
Symptoms
In case of ongoing B deficiency only light heads are built and plants show a rather loose habitus. Leaf color is brighter than usual.
Reasons
Boron deficiency on white cabbage
Boron is readily leached in sandy soils, particularly those in the tropics with low soil pH, CEC or low organic matter contents.
Brassicas need B in relatively large amounts.
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