13 Functions of Boron in Plants and their Symptoms
Nutrients are one of the factors that support plant growth, in addition to the type of soil suitable for agriculture. Nutrients can be obtained from the selection of fertilizer types to accelerate root growth and the right plants.
One of the most widely used fertilizers is boron fertilizer. The use of boron fertilizer has been felt by farmers. Boron fertilizers are fertilizers that contain boron.
What is Boron?
Boron (B) or often referred to as micronutrient boron is one of the nutrients that maintains the strength of the tissue structure in plants and plays a role in the development and growth of plant cells.
Research shows that boron is one of the important elements in plants, especially vegetables and one of the main elements that affect the quality of the growth process of several types of plants.
The level of boron required in plants is very small. In general, the optimum level in leaves is around 20-100 ppm. Although the required levels are small, the function of boron is very much for plants.
Functions of Boron in Plants
The use of boron in plants is essential for normal and healthy plant growth and production. Some of the functions of boron in plants are:
Increase income and circulation of sugar
Boron is often associated with sugar and starch to developing parts of plants. This will certainly develop the fruit and increase the sugar content in the fruit of the plant.
In addition, boron increases the rate of sugar transport (from photosynthesis in mature plant leaves) to areas of active growth. Boron is essential for providing the sugars needed by the roots.
Increases calcium circulation in plants
Boron can also increase calcium circulation in plants which is useful for stimulating leaf and root growth and inhibiting cell aging.
Speed up flowering time
Boron serves to accelerate the growth of flowers in plants. By giving boron to plants, the flowers produced are faster and more abundant.
Improve the quality and quality of fruit
The provision of boron certainly has a significant effect on the fruit. The resulting fruit is bigger, fresher, and healthier when given boron regularly.
Has a shorter growing period
Boron can increase metabolic processes in plants so that they flower and bear fruit faster. This makes the growing period of plants that use boron faster than those that do not use boron.
Promotes root growth and health
Plant roots that were given boron were much stronger and healthier than roots that were not given boron. This is because boron can provide nutrients to the roots so that the roots are stronger, grow faster, and are healthy.
Root growth with boron is also much faster than root growth without boron. Plants that get enough boron are tall and large.
Increase plant weight
Boron is very useful for increasing photosynthesis by increasing the metabolism of carbohydrates and proteins in plants. This causes an increase in the weight or weight of the plant.
Influence in cell division
For plants that have seeds, boron has a function in cell division. These nutrients improve the process of cell division and prevent cell damage during cell division.
Produce nucleic acids and hormones
Plants that are given boron can increase nucleic acids and hormones. Nucleic acids and hormones are very influential on the development and growth of plants.
Accelerate the distribution of nutrients in plants
Boron also often helps to accelerate the spread of nutrients from nutrients to all parts of the plant. Thus, plants with boron are healthier and free from disease.
Accelerate the formation of pollen
Boron also helps to improve the pollination process in plants by accelerating the formation of pollen. This is very helpful for accelerating the process of generative plant reproduction.
Increase protein synthesis
Just like humans, protein synthesis is also needed by plants for their survival. Boron can help to increase protein synthesis so that plants do not experience a lack of nutrients they need every day.
Increase plant resistance
Boron provides protection for plants, especially for fruit. Plants will not be susceptible to disease or pests so that they always give good results during harvest.
Symptoms of Boron Deficiency
Not all soil types contain boron. In general, boron-deficient soils occur in sandy and lime-rich soils.
Crops grown in boron-deficient soil have a significant impact. The plant will be disabled until death.
Some of the symptoms or signs of boron deficiency plants are:
- There is a change in leaf color and a sudden thickening of the leaves.
- Leaves and stems become easily broken, brittle, and shrivel, especially the leaves and stems near the tip of the shoot.
- Storage roots become shorter and blunt.
- Plants become stunted due to stunted growth.
- The leaves are not green or yellow, which is a condition known as chlorosis.
- The resulting fruit is very susceptible to disease.
- The growth point will die or there will be signs of dead shoots.
Boron Level Requirements
Boron can be present in the soil in many forms. One of the most common forms is Boric Acid. In general, alkaline soils with a high pH or soils with low organic content have low boron levels.
The provision of boron to plants is also limited because excess boron can cause poisoning and damage to plants. There are several requirements for boron levels for plants, namely:
- The sufficient amount of boron in the soil is 12 mg/kg.
- The range of boron needs is adjusted to soil conditions, where the recommended amount is 1 – 1.5 kg B/ha on acidic soils or 4 kg B/ha on clay or alkaline soils.
Hopefully this is useful for cultivators in caring for and developing plants.
Post a Comment for "13 Functions of Boron in Plants and their Symptoms"