Cracked Fruits, Poor Flowering? It Could Be Boron Deficiency
Boron is a vital micronutrient required in trace amounts, but its role in plant development is critical. It supports cell wall formation, flowering, fruit setting, and root health. A deficiency, though often unnoticed at first, can lead to serious crop losses.
Common Symptoms:
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Cracked or hollow stems and fruits
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Deformed, curled, or brittle young leaves
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Poor flowering and reduced fruit/seed setting
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Root tips turning brown and dying
These signs are frequently seen in crops like banana, sugarcane, cauliflower, groundnut, grapes, and cotton.
Causes:
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Sandy, acidic, or leached soils
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Drought or excess rainfall
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Long-term neglect of micronutrient application
How to Manage:
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Soil application: Apply Borax (10.5% B) at 10–15 kg/ha before sowing
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Foliar spray: Use 0.2% boric acid (2g/litre water) at flowering and early growth stages
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Important: Always apply boron based on soil test—excess can be toxic
