Boron Deficiency in Cauliflower
The most common symptom of boron deficiency in cauliflower in the field are poor and discolored curd formation, which frequently renders the crop unsuitable for marketing. The pith is especially liable to develop water-soaked areas, and to become necrotic and ultimately hollow. An early symptom in young seedlings is the rolling and down-curling of the newest leaves, which are abnormally small, brittle, and deformed. Sometimes leaves have a much enlarged midrib and little lamina.
Under severe boron deficient conditions, cauliflower plants showing such symptoms are unlikely to form a head.
Typical recommended ranges for boron boradcast soil application for cauliflower is 2-3 lbs of B/acre. Normal plant analysis levels for the best quality and marketability have leaf boron levels in the 30-60 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.