RESPONSE OF OKRA PLANTS TO ROOT AND FOLIAR APPLIED BORON

The response of okra plants (Hibiscus esculentus) to root-and foliar-applied B at 0, 2 and 4 ppm was investigated in solution culture. Root-B application higher than 2 ppm resulted in severe root burn and toxicity in the plants, whereas foliar-B application up to 4 ppm produced adequate plant growth. Chlorophyll and carotene content of the leaves, flower number, stem diameter, plant height and dry matter production were drastically reduced at high root-applied B when compared to the foliar treatments. Significant negative correlation between root-applied B and plant height, stem diameter, leaf and flower number was established. Except for a significant negative correlation with leaf number, all other growth components were positively correlated with foliar application of B. At 2 ppm B, leaf-B, -P, -K and -Ca were higher at the root-B than at the foliar-B treatments. Foliar application of B was superior to root-application as was observed in the healthy growth of the okra plant. © 1979, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. All rights reserved.