What it does
Boron deficiency affects cell wall biosynthesis and the structure and plasma membrane integrity.
It leads to reduction in plant height, death of growing points, and white discoloration and rolling of leaf tips. When the plant is infected at panicle initiation stage, Boron deficiency can cause plants to not produce panicles.
Why and where it occurs
B deficiency is relatively rare especially in irrigated rice systems. It is not very common in rice, but can occur in the following soils:
- Highly weathered, acid red soils and sandy rice soils in China
- Acid soils derived from igneous rocks. Soils formed from marine sediments contain more B than those formed from igneous rocks.
- High organic matter status soils in Japan
How to identify
Check the leaves for symptoms. Symptoms usually appear first on young leaves. Tips of emerging leaves are white and rolled (similar to Calcium deficiency).
In severe conditions, growing points can die, but new tillers continue to emerge.
Plants also have reduced height.
When the plant is infected at panicle initiation stage, Boron deficiency can cause plants to not produce panicles.
To confirm B deficiency, bring soil and plant sample to a laboratory for testing.
Click on images to enlarge
How to manage
The following general measures are recommended to prevent B deficiency:
- Manage water efficiently. Avoid excessive leaching or draining of water.
- Do not apply excessive amounts of B to avoid B toxicity.
There is currently no practical treatment options for B deficiency.
Learn more
View full fact sheet: Boron deficiency on IRRI Rice Knowledge Bank