Red or Garden beet

Boron deficiency in red or garden beets

Boron deficiency causes the development of internal black spots. Necrotic areas occur at random in the root or at the surface where disease organisms may enter causing a canker to develop. The necrotic areas render the beet unsuitable for canning. The growing point may die and multiple crowns develop.

Typical recommended ranges for boron boradcast soil application for beets is 2-3 lbs of B/acre. Normal plant analysis levels for the best quality and marketability have leaf boron levels in the 30-70 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.