Response of soybean to gibberellin A₃ application under conditions of high boron availability

Abstract

In a pot trial in which soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] plants were overfertilized by boron (B) at rates of 5, 10, and 15 mg per pot in 6 kg of soil, a reduction of shoot weight and seed yield was obtained. Boron limited protein synthesis and inhibited dipeptidase activity. Under the effect of B overfertilization, the rates of absorption and accumulation of major macronutrients was remarkably decreased. Foliar treatment with gibberellin (A3) in the early phases of plant development partly compensated for the negative effect of B overdosing.