Effects of foliar-applied boron on fruit retention, fruit quality, and tissue boron concentration of pecan.

摘要

Effects of foliar-applied B on pecan leaf tissue B concn., fruit retention and kernel quality of pecans were determined. Controlled pollination studies showed no effect of B on fruit retention of cv. Stuart pecans. Tissue B concn., fruit retention and percentage kernel of cv. Desirable pecans were occasionally enhanced by 2 and 5 B applications made before and throughout the pollination window in multiple studies over 3 yr. As long as leaf B was within the recommended sufficiency range, timing of foliar B application during the critical prepollination period appeared to be more valuable for pecan production than increasing leaf B levels. Given the production enhancements observed and the low cost of B fertilizers, the practice of foliar B application merits consideration as a component of pecan orchard management when tank-mixed with normal prepollination pesticides or nutrient sprays.