Response of Black Currant to Boron Fertilization

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to examine the reproductive and vegetative response of black currant to soil and foliar applications of boron (B). The experiment was carried out during the 2001 and 2002 seasons in a commercial plantation in central Poland on mature ‘Ojebyn’ black currant planted on a sandy loam soil with low status of hot-water-soluble B. Black currant bushes were foliar or soil supplied with B (as boric acid). Foliar B sprays were made on the same bushes 3 times per season (2 weeks before flowering, at the beginning of blooming, and at petal fall) at a rate of 0.2 kg ha⁻¹ in each spray treatment. Soil B was applied at a rate of 2 kg ha⁻¹ at the bud break stage. Bushes untreated with B served as the control. The results showed that vigor of black currant bushes, weight of 100 berries, and soluble solids concentration and titratable acidity of fruit were unaffected by B fertilization. Foliar B sprays increased B concentrations in flowers and leaves, and also enhanced the fruit set and as well as cropping of black currants. Soil B application enhanced leaf B status but had no effect on flower B level and plant yield. These results indicate that foliar B sprays applied at or around the time of flowering should be recommended for black currant plantations to increase productivity of plants containing an insufficient flower B level.

Keywords:

• black currant
• boron fertilization