Cereals - Deformation
Symptoms
Leaves show slight distortion, stems are abnormally thick and often the growing points die.
Ears are blind or extremely short with very few grains and twisted awns.
Reasons
Boron deficiency.
Boron deficiency is becoming more common in cereals. Although the requirement for boron is relatively low compared to other micronutrients, a deficiency in boron will cause poor grain set leading to yield losses. Boron is not mobile within the plant so it is important levels are maintained throughout the season especially during ear development and anthesis.
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
- Germination of pollen grains and fertilization
- Adequate seed set and yield
