Turnip

{Brassica rapa}

Boron Deficiency in Turnips

When turnips 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 the deficiency such as “brown heart,” “water core,” and “Raan." In severe cases, the central tissue may break down and the root becomes hollow. Reduced feeding value and roots that are likely to be tough, fibrous, and bitter is common. Keeping quality is poor and affected roots lose weight through loss of moisture in storage.

Normally, leaves have no visible symptoms. The roots will be normal size and the problem is only apparent after harvest.

Typical recommended ranges for boron boradcast soil application for turnips is 2-3 lbs of B/acre. Normal plant analysis levels for the best quality and marketability have leaf boron levels in the 25-60 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.

Soil Application (Suggested rates of application)

  Granubor Fertibor
LBS/ACRE 6-18 6-18
KG/HA 6.75 - 20.25 6.75 - 20.25

Foliar Application (Suggested rates of application)

  Solubor
LBS/ACRE 4-9
KG/HA 4.5 - 10.125
Value in Use
Product
Acreage
Current Yield (Per Acre)
Lbs
Expected Sale Price

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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