Boron tolerance of pea (Pisum sativum)

Abstract

Pea plants were grown to full maturity in nutrient solutions with added B levels ranging from 0 to 18 mg/1. Toxicity symptoms were observed and described. Parameter yields were significantly decreased by B concentrations of or above 2 mg/1. Leaf B contents increased for each added B level. Boron contents of stems, roots, grain, and pods increased significantly at the three highest B levels. Leaf B contents of 50 to 300 ppm were within sufficient range at flowering time. Concentration higher than 500 ppm were in the severe B toxicity range. Calcium contents in leaves and roots decreased as B level increased both in the nutrient solution and in the leaves. Ca/B ratios in the leaves at flowering of 75 to 400 were associated to maximum yields Pea is classified as a B sensitive crop.

Key words:

• Boron distribution
• Boron nutrition
• 50 yield decrement
• Ca/B ratio