Key agricultural boron formulations under FCO
- Disodium Octaborate Tetrahydrate (DOT, 20% B): High-purity, fully water-soluble white powder ideal for foliar spraying and modern drip fertigation.
- Borax (Sodium Tetraborate Decahydrate, 10.5% B): Traditional crystalline formulation utilized primarily for basal soil application during land preparation.
- Boric Acid (17% B): Water-soluble powder applied in specialized drip fertigation regimes.
- Solubor formulations: Engineered for quick dissolution in spray tanks without leaving gritty residue.
Crop deficiency symptoms and physiological functions
Boron is immobile inside plant vascular systems; deficiency symptoms first appear on young growing tips and reproductive organs. Classic deficiency indicators include death of apical buds (witch's broom), poor pollen tube elongation causing flower and fruit drop, cracking in citrus and pomegranate, hollow heart in cauliflower and radish, and hard lumpy fruit in tomato.
Application dosage, soil testing and toxicity caution
- The narrow threshold between boron deficiency and toxicity requires strict adherence to soil test recommendations; over-application causes severe leaf margin necrosis.
- Foliar spray: Typically applied at 1 to 1.5 grams per liter of water during pre-flowering and fruit setting stages.
- Soil application: Applied at 5 to 10 kg of Borax (or 2.5 to 5 kg of DOT 20%) per hectare mixed with farmyard manure or basal fertilizers.
Official source
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Department of Fertilizers (Govt of India) ↗Related on KisanPe
Common questions
Why is boron essential for flowering and fruit set in crops?
Boron is vital for pollen grain germination, pollen tube elongation into the ovary, and successful fertilization; deficiency leads to heavy flower drop.
What happens if a farmer applies excess boron fertilizer?
Boron toxicity causes yellowing, scorching, and necrosis along leaf tips and margins, stunting crop growth.
Can water-soluble boron (20% B) be mixed with insecticide sprays?
Yes, Disodium Octaborate Tetrahydrate (20% B) is generally compatible with neutral insecticides and fungicides, but always conduct a small jar test before spraying.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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