Carrot

Boron Deficiency in Carrots

In the field, boron deficiency typically causes a superficial pinhead-sized discoloration just under the skin of the carrot. The grayish irregularly shaped areas are ordinarily only seen after steam peeling of the carrots and are usually removed by normal domestic peeling. Severe boron deficiency causes further symptoms to develop. The tap roots frequently split and are often brittle. Leaves may ultimately be affected, turning a red or yellow color and later, just before the growing point dies, very small leaves are formed.

Typical recommended ranges for boron boradcast soil application for carrots is 1-2 lbs of B/acre. Normal plant analysis levels for the best quality and marketability have leaf boron levels in the 25-70 ppm range.*


*Always consult local crop advisors to check the proper dose rates. Rates of boron fertilization should be based on yield goals along with soil tests and/or plant tissue analyses.