Improving boron use efficiency via different application techniques for optimum production of good quality potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in alkaline soil

PLoS One. 2022 Jan 27;17(1):e0259403. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0259403. eCollection 2022.

Abstract

Boron (B) deficiency is a widespread problem in alkaline soils which affects yield and quality of potato but is often ignored by the growers. That's why, we compared the impact of different methods of boron application (foliar spray, fertigation and soil dressing) along with control on boron use efficiency (BUE), quality and yield of potato in alkaline soils. Boron (0.5 kg ha-1) applied as a foliar spray had significantly increased plant height, tuber per plant, tuber volume and enhanced the quality in terms of vitamin C, starch and B content of potato compared to other methods. Moreover, foliar applied B significantly improved B uptake and it use efficiency over other application methods. B concentration in tubers were strongly correlated with vitamin C and starch contents. The application methods were ranked as foliar spray>fertigation>soil dressing in term of their effectiveness towards potato yield and quality improvement. Thus, for optimum production of good quality potato, B should be applied as foliar spray at the rate of 0.5 kg B ha-1 in existing agro-climatic conditions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Retracted Publication

MeSH terms

  • Boron / pharmacology*
  • Crops, Agricultural / drug effects
  • Crops, Agricultural / growth & development
  • Crops, Agricultural / metabolism
  • Plant Tubers / drug effects
  • Plant Tubers / growth & development
  • Plant Tubers / metabolism
  • Soil / chemistry
  • Solanum tuberosum / drug effects
  • Solanum tuberosum / growth & development*
  • Solanum tuberosum / metabolism

Substances

  • Soil
  • Boron

Grants and funding

The authors would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the Researchers Supporting Project Number (RSP-2021/182), King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.