Boron (B) Toxicity

Boron (B) toxicity inhibits the formation of starch from sugar and affects the formation of B-carbohydrate complexes.

Boron toxicity is a rare condition that usually occurs during dry season when there is high B content in ground water.

How to identify ( symptoms)

• chlorosis of tips and margins of older leaves as initial symptoms.
• dark brown elliptical spots on dicolored areas , 2-3 weeks followed by browning and drying up.

How to manage

• Plant B toxicity tolerant varieties e.g ; IR42, IR 46, IR 48, IR 54, IR 9884-54). B toxicity tolerant varieties can yield up to 2 ton /ha more than susceptible varieties.
• Ground water must be monitored if used for irrigation. Use surface water with a low B content for irrigation.
• Plow when the soil is dry so that B accumulates in the topsoil and leach with water containing a small of B.