Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment

Effects of boron deficiency and excess on rootstock growth and root morphology in trifoliate orange seedlings

Author(s):

Rui-dong Wang, Gui-dong Liu, Lei-chao Liu, Cun-cang Jiang *

Recieved Date: 2013-06-26, Accepted Date: 2013-10-30

Abstract:

Both boron (B) deficiency and excess can result in significantly yield loss of many agricultural or horticultural products. Trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf.) is the main citrus rootstock in China, which is sensitive to B deficiency and excess. However, little information is available about the citrus rootstock in response to B deficiency and toxicity. To understand the effect of B deficiency and excess on plant growth and root morphology of trifoliate orange, a hydroponic culture experiment was carried out with three B levels B0 (0 µmol/L), B5 (5 µmol/L) and B100 (100 µmol/L), which represented B deficient, normal, and excessive levels. The results showed that both B deficiency and excess inhibited the growth of shoot and root of the seedlings. Boron deficiency led to visible symptoms of root grey color, apical enlargement, increase in lateral root number near the apical part, decreased total root tips, and significant reduction in the number and length of fine roots, indicating that B deficiency restrained the growth of fine roots and therefore the nutrient absorption. In addition, B excess could cause leaf margin burn and B accumulation in older leaves. Moreover, B excess increased the number of apical parts with less than 1 mm in diameter, but significantly decreased those in 1-2 mm in diameter, suggesting that B excess could stimulate the generation of new roots but inhibit their further development. The primary visible symptoms of B deficiency appeared in roots, whereas B toxicity exhibited in old leaves. The results provide more detail evidence that it is very likely to use B fertilizer properly to make plant healthy growth and sustainability in horticulture.

Keywords:

Trifoliate orange, boron deficiency, boron excess, visible symptoms, root morphology, fine root

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Journal: Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment
Year: 2013
Volume: 11
Issue: 3&4
Category: Agriculture
Pages: 817-823

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