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.