Pineapple

{Ananas comosus}

Boron deficiency in pineapples

Boron is a key element for proper nutrition of pineapple. Lack of boron can cause:

  • Malformed fruit
  • Broken core
  • Separation and cracking of fruitlets
  • Poor fruit set
  • Reduced sugar content

Few leaf symptoms have been reported. In very severe boron deficiency cases, the growing point may die, followed by profuse development of side shoots and suckers. Root growth is poor. Main roots may be brown and few fibrous roots are produced. The deficiency is more pronounced on the ratoon than on the plant crop.

Research has shown that boron amendments in pineapple affected by boron deficiency can increase sugar content, increase quality of fruit produced, and strengthen root and slip development. Boron has also been found beneficial when adding ethephon to induce flowering.

Spotting boron deficiency in pineapples

How much boron is enough?

  • Pineapple removes significant amounts of boron from the soil each year. Boron has a synergistic relationship with Ca, S, Zn, and K
  • Calcareous and alkaline soil can hinder the amount of boron available to the plant

Timing your boron application

  • Boron can be applied using foliar or soil applications. Ground applications of boron are recommended at 2kg B/ha every three years, with applications not to exceed 4kg B/ha.
  • Combining 0.25% Solubor® with solutions of ethephon can help mitigate loss of sugar production from forced flowering.

Your boron fertilizer options

  • Granubor® is an ideal material for dry blends applied to the soil
  • Fertibor® works best in fertilizer suspensions for all soil broadcast applications
  • Solubor allows you the best flexibility for applying boron. It can be dissolved alone in water or in liquid fertilizers, and/or along with pesticides. It can be applied to the soil or directly onto the crop.
Sources
  • Lin, Y. 2011. Effects of dolomite and borax on the quality of Tainung No. 13 pineapple. Pak J Bot. 43(1):549-558.
  • Cibes, H. 1958. Mineral-deficiency symptoms displayed by red spanish pineapple plants grown under controlled conditions. Tech Rep PR, Agric Exp Stn. 25:5-32.
  • Ramos, MJM. 2011. Deficiencies of macronutrients and boron in Imperial pineapple: mineral composition. Rev Bras Frutic, Jaboticabal-SP. 33(1):261-271.
  • Hernandez-Medina, E. 1958. Effects of the calcium-boron relationship on growth and production of the pineapple plant. J Agri U of PR. 42(4).

U.S. Borax products for pineapple

15% Boron |  | OMRI Certified
Fertibor
Optimum product for suspensions

A fine crystalline borate ideal for NPK compound fertilizers and suspensions. Manufactured as free-flowing granules, Fertibor is easily handled and offers superior flow and consistency.

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15% Boron |  | OMRI Certified
Granubor
Made especially for bulk blenders

A pure, 100% water-soluble micronutrient that meets boron demand during the growing season. Made especially for bulk blenders, Granubor helps to ensure uniform distribution in nutritional blends and in the field.

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20.5% Boron |  | OMRI Certified
Solubor
Product of choice for foliar applications

A concentrated, highly soluble, and fast dissolving powder that is ideal for foliar and other sprays. With the highest concentration of boron in any approved product, Solubor is an economical choice for nutritional formulations.

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20.8% Boron
Anhybor
Boron for fertilizer manufacturing

This refined U.S. Borax product is made from the dehydration and fusion of borax. Depending on the grade, Anhybor can be used to produce boron-enriched compound fertilizers or to coat different fertilizer products, such as NPK blends with the aid of a binder.

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10% Boron |  | OMRI Certified
Solubor Flow
For fertigation or hydroponic growing

First and only aqueous suspension of sodium borate microcrystals.

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14.5% Boron | 29% Zinc
Zincubor
Perfect combination of zinc and boron

Because zinc and boron deficiency are widespread around the world, a product with both nutrients is a good fit in many regions. Zincubor brings these two important micronutrients together in one product.

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U.S. Borax, part of Rio Tinto, is a global leader in the supply and science of borates—naturally-occurring minerals containing boron and other elements. We are 1,000 people serving 650 customers with more than 1,800 delivery locations globally. We supply around 30% of the world’s need for refined borates from our world-class mine in Boron, California, about 100 miles northeast of Los Angeles. Learn more about Rio Tinto.

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