Physiological studies on groundnut plants with boron toxicity, 4: Effect on phosphorus, potassium and calcium

Abstract

The effect of supplying 10 ppm boron to the root medium on the phosphorus, potassium and calcium status of peanut plants ("IMV-2") grown in sand was studied. In Bovo treated plants the phosphorus content of roots and middle leaves increased by over 18 and 5 percent respectively at 12 days after boron supply compared to the control, whereas in apical leaves, after an initial increase in phosphorus content, it gradually decreased and reached the original value. In middle leaves which showed severe chlorosis eight days after boron treatment, potassium content increased and calcium content decreased compared to the control respectively.

In boron-treated plants, there was an increase in the P/Fe ratio of the shoots, middle, and apical leaves compared to the control plants. The chlorotic leaves also showed a decrease in the Ca/K ratio and an increase in the K/Ca ratio compared to the control. The quantitative changes in these mineral nutrients with excess boron treatments are discussed in light of existing knowledge about similar changes obtained by other minor element toxicities. Lime-induced chlorosis and other types of chlorosis. Perhaps DeKock's explanation of nutrient imbalance applies to boron toxicity as well.