Swede

Boron deficiency in swede

When swedes are boron deficient, brown, water-soaked areas develop in the root, normally in the outer regions of the xylem. These symptoms give rise to the various names for boron deficiency such as “brown heart,” “water core,” and “Raan."

In severe cases, the central tissue may break down and the root becomes hollow. The feeding value is reduced and the roots are likely to be tough, fibrous, and bitter. Keeping quality is poor and affected roots lose weight through loss of moisture in storage.

Normally no symptoms are seen on the leaves. The roots will be of normal size and the problem is only apparent after harvest.