Applying Boron at Bloom is Vital
Bloom time is upon us, and the season will be in full swing before we know it. Boron is an important element during flowering and seed set. This is especially important in our nut crops because our crop is a seed, and boron is involved with cell wall development.
Boron levels in plant tissue are generally low, but considerably higher in plant flowers. Boron is at higher levels in flowers because it is essential in pollen tube formation and germination. Pollen tubes are fast growing cells and have a high demand for boron.
During bloom time there is not a lot of root activity in some of our nut crops, which limits nutrient uptake from the soil. Unless the tree has good stores of boron, the crop could be short and would benefit from a foliar application during bloom. A product such as Ele-Max® CalBor Zn FL that has calcium (also important in cell wall development), boron and zinc offers a nice shot of boron during bloom. This can be a great supplement for bloom time nutrition, while helping with flowering and seed/nut set.
- Don Paradise, Helena Product Manager, Western Division