Scaling-up of boron sources for yield and quality of large seeded peanut cultivars under varied agro-ecological conditions in India

Abstract

Boron (B) deficiency is a common factor in light-textured soils causing poor pod filling and yield in large seeded peanut. Field trials were conducted in soils having 0.20–0.45 mg kg¡1 available B to find out the effectiveness of commercial-grade B sources in large seeded peanuts. B application induced early flowering, increased pods, yield and yield attributes, shelling and 100- seed weight. Soil application of 2.0 kg B ha¡1 as commercial-grade Agricol, Solubor and Borosol increased these parameters to a similar degree as obtained by borax, but were superior over their foliar applications. Similarly, the responses of foliar applications of 1.0 kg B ha¡1 as Chemiebor, Solubor and Borosol were more effective in humid areas. However, foliar applications led to scorching of peanut leaves during dry weather. Thus, soil application of 2.0 kg B ha¡1 is essential to enhance productivity and pod filling in large seeded peanut.