Boron deficiency

Boron deficiency
Tom Zabadal , MSU Horticulture

Boron deficiency dramatically influences yield. Leaves toward the end of the shoot show a spotty yellowing. Affected leaves tend to be undersized and cupped. Affected clusters may totally abort or develop a few small berries, often with many small, green “shot” berries. This condition results because ovules on affected flowers are poorly fertilized.

Petiole tests can confirm this deficiency. Soil or foliar boron applications may correct the deficiency. Excess boron fertilization may result in toxicity to vines.


An affected cluster with lack of fruit-set and green shot berries. Photos: T. Zabadal	A yellowing, cupped leaf. Photos: T. Zabadal

Addition information

Sampling information from MSU Soil and Plant Nutrient Laboratory

Site map About us Copyright/Linking

Funding for this web site provided by Project GREEEN, American Farmland Trust, EPA Region 5's Strategic Agricultural Initiative program, The National Foundation for IPM Education, the Center for Agricultural Partnerships and the MSU Integrated Pest Management Program
in collaboration with MSU Extension and the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station.
Updated 12/20/07 Contact: J.N. Landis.