Growth of tomato plants in a split-root system as affected by various boron levels in the nutrient solution.

Abstract

Growth characteristics and B translocation were investigated in tomato plants, cv. Moneydor, grown in a split-root system with different B levels. Slight B toxicity was associated with 324 mu mol B/litre in the solution, while 3240 mu mol produced clear symptoms. Exposure of both halves of the root system to 3240 mu mol B reduced the weight of tops by 45%, compared with 25% when only one half of the system was exposed. B deficiency was only observed when B was omitted from both halves of the system. In this case weight of tops, but not of roots, was reduced as was the uptake of other nutrients, especially P and K. There were no significant differences in growth between plants which received 32 mu mol B in one part of the system, and 0, 32 or 324 mu mol in the other. B contents were higher in the leaves on the side of the plant corresponding to the roots growing under high-B conditions. B content of leaves on the low-B side increased when the concentration in the high-B side was increased, indicating a lateral movement of B. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)