boron deficiency in strawberries

The first symptom of boron deficiency appears on the young strawberry leaves as a tip necrosis. These leaves are likely to be misshapen (often “squared off”), cupped, and reduced in size. The runner plants become progressively more stunted with small, distorted, chlorotic leaves. ...

1. What are the symptoms of boron deficiency?
2. What is the best fertilizer for strawberry plants?
3. What causes boron deficiency?
4. How do you apply boron to soil?

What are the symptoms of boron deficiency?

Identification: Because of boron's involvement in cell growth, symptoms of boron deficiency are expressed at growing tips of the root or shoot, and generally include stunting and distortion of the growing tip that can lead to tip death, brittle foliage, and yellowing of lower leaf tips.

What is the best fertilizer for strawberry plants?

The best time to fertilize strawberry plants is following harvest at a rate of 2 to 3 pounds of 12-12-12 per 100-foot row. If a soil test indicates a need for phosphorus or potassium, these nutrients may be applied in the spring without causing berry softening.

What causes boron deficiency?

Conditions that can cause boron deficiency include low boron in tap water or fertilizer; high calcium levels (which can inhibit boron uptake); inactive roots (waterlogged or dry soil, cold root zone); high humidity; soil packed too tightly; or high pH.

How do you apply boron to soil?

Boron can be applied directly to soil, through fertigation, or as a foliar spray. Because boron application rates are quite low, uniform coverage is difficult to achieve when distributing by hand. The best option is usually to combine boron with other fertilizers.