Symptoms
Leaves show slight distortion, stems are abnormally thick and often the growing points die.
Ears are blind or extremely short with very few grains and twisted awns.
Reasons
Boron deficiency.
Boron deficiency is becoming more common in cereals. Although the requirement for boron is relatively low compared to other micronutrients, a deficiency in boron will cause poor grain set leading to yield losses. Boron is not mobile within the plant so it is important levels are maintained throughout the season especially during ear development and anthesis.
Boron deficiency made worse by
Sandy soils
Alkaline soils
Soils low in organic matter
High levels of nitrogen
High levels of calcium
Cold wet weather
Periods of drought
Boron is important for
Germination of pollen grains and fertilization
Adequate seed set and yield
Yara recommended fertilizers for Boron
YaraLiva NITRABOR
Cereals: At the time of Crown Root Initiation Stage 15 kg/acre;
At maximum tillering 10 kg/acre