Wednesday, November 15, 2006
285-34

Potato Responses to Soil and Foliar Boron Applied at Different Stages of Development.

Bryan Hopkins1, Von Jolley2, Bruce Webb2, Jason Ellsworth3, and Sara Redd2. (1) Idaho Falls R&E Center, 1776 Science Center Dr Ste 205, Idaho Falls, ID 83402-1575, (2) Brigham Young Univ, 275 WIDB, Provo, UT 84602-5183, (3) PO Box 1827, Twin Falls, ID 83303-1827

Boron application to potato in southern Idaho is often made to sandy soils as "insurance" with little evidence for a critical soil value. These haphazard applications could result in either deficiencies or toxicities under current practices. A site with sandy soil was selected near Blackfoot Idaho to which 0, 2.2 and 4.4 kg/ha B were applied to the soil at two times, emergence and just before bulking. In addition, foliar application just before bulking was made at 0.22 kg/ha B as a separate treatment. Boron concentrations in petiole and tuber were assessed as well as total and graded yields measured. There was an economically significant improvement in yield from the midseason foliar application. We will report petiole and tuber concentrations of boron from these field treatments. Further testing of the midseason application at more intermediate application rates are currently underway.

Handout (.pdf format, 198.0 kb)