Download This PaperManaging Boron in Coconut Palms
Deepu Mathew and Habeeburrahman, P. V., Managing boron in coconut palms. Indian Coconut Journal, 38 (4): 5-7, 2007
3 Pages Posted: 9 Jun 2020
Date Written: August 1, 2007
Abstract
Boron deficiency is a serious issue in mature coconut palms. The deficiency may be due to the lack of boron in the soil or due to heavy doses of nitrogen. High doses of nitrogen interferes with the absorption of boron through the roots. The deficiency symptoms are characterized by the drying of the sides of the young leaves, non-opening of the new leaves, choking of the crown etc. Under severe conditions, the young leaves cluster as pin shoots at the top of the crown and subsequently the crown will be lost.
To mitigate the boron deficiency in coconut, it is recommended that a balance between the N, P, K and Boron has to be maintained during fertilizer application. Organic manuring will be maintaining proper soil pH and thus making the boron availability better. Soil application of borax at 1 kg per palm per year or foliar application with 1 % borax will be helpful to save the palms.
Keywords: Cocos Nucifera, Palm, Boron, Micronutrient, Deficiency, Plant Nutrition, Fertilizer
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