Boron deficiency

Compact growth, mottled chlorosis, mild puckering and downward curling of young leaves on a B-deficient plant in PNG (J. O'Sullivan).

Blunt-ended storage roots, may develop blisters on skin in storage (Clark, APS).

Diagnostic summary

• What you see on plants
  (only some of the following features may be present)

- thickened, brittle young leaves.

- young leaves may be pale or mottled, puckered or twisted, or deformed with reduced lobes.

- internodes may be shortened.

- little or no white sap exudes from cut stems.

- shoot tip may die.

- thick, lumpy, misshapen or cracked storage roots of inferior texture and taste.

• Sweetpotato is quite susceptible to boron deficiency compared with other crops.

• May be more severe in dry or cold weather.

• Usually occurs on acidic or highly weathered soils.

Characteristics and occurrence

Symptoms

Confusion with other symptoms

Diagnostic tests

Management

References

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