Boron deficiency - Oats

Change crop

Nutrients

Cereals - Deformation

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

YaraVita BORTRAC 150

Cereals: Apply at 1.0 l/ha from the 4 leaf stage to pseudo stem erection, (Zadoks Growth Stage 14 to 30). Apply at 0.5 l/ha from first node detectable to the end of booting, (Zadoks G.S. 31 to 49). Water rate: 30 to 200 l/ha.