Turnip

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.