Abscisic acid improves tomato fruit quality by increasing soluble sugar concentrations

Abscisic acid (ABA) is crucial in fruit maturation and senescence and is considered as the other ripening control factor other than ethylene. Important components in ripening fruit are soluble sugars, which make the fruit sweeter and carotenoids, important flavor compounds in ripened fruit. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of foliar ABA and calcium (Ca) fertilizer treatments (individually and in combination) on determinate beef-steak greenhouse tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) leaf chlorophylls and carotenoids, fruit carotenoids, and soluble sugar concentrations. Foliar spray treatment of 500 mg L^?1 ABA increased zeaxanthin (ZEA) and β-carotene (BC) in tomato leaf tissue. Increases in Ca fertilizer treatments significantly decreased tomato leaf violaxanthin (VIO), but no effect on other carotenoids. The application of 500 mg L^?1 ABA foliar spray significantly increased glucose and fructose concentrations in tomato fruit tissue. Foliar application of ABA treatments can increase overall chlorophyll, carotenoid content, and fruit quality.     

Effects of different boron concentration on the growth and physiological characteristics of two olive cultivars

This study investigated the effect of different boron concentrations on growth and physiological characteristics of olive plants. The absorption of some macronutrients and distribution of boron were also examined. This research was carried out in a completely randomized design with factorial arrangements including six boron levels (0.2, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 mg L^?1) and two cultivars (Amygdalolia and Konservolia), with four replications for each treatment. Two-year old seedlings were treated with Hoagland nutrient solution containing different boron (B) concentration for 4 months. Chlorophyll fluorescence, fresh and dry weight of leaves, stems and roots as well as absorption of macronutrients decreased in both cultivars as the boron level were increased. Diagnostic symptoms of boron toxicity appeared 45 and 75 days after planting for Amygdaloila and Konservolia at 30, 40 and 50 mg L^?1; and 40 and 50 mg L^?1 of boron, respectively. Our results showed that at a higher level of B, the Konservolia cultivar maintained more B concentration in its root than Amygdalolia cultivar; however, B content in young leaves of Amygdalolia was higher than Konservolia. It seems that Konservolia cultivar could accumulate B in its roots and prevents its translocation to the leaves through an internal tolerance mechanism; therefore, Konservolia shows greater tolerance to high concentrations of boron compared to Amygdalolia.     

Response of mango tree nutritional status and biochemical constituents to boron and nitrogen fertilization

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at Al Malak Valley Farm, El-Sharkeya Governorate-Egypt (30°–51° N; 32°–53° E) using 15 years old productive mango (Mangifera indica L.) trees cv. Zebda. The experiment was repeated for two successive seasons (2014/2015) and (2015/2016). The trees were planted 8×8 meters apart in sandy soil under drip irrigation system using the Nile water. Treatments included three concentrations of boron (0.0, 250, 500?mg L^?1) and three concentrations of nitrogen (1000, 1250, 1500?g nitrogen/tree/year). Boron was applied as foliar spray of boric acid and nitrogen was applied to the soil as ammonium sulfate. Treatments were arranged in a factorial Completely Randomized Block Design with three replicates for each treatment. Results show that boron application has improved mango tree nutritional status. Leaf nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and boron concentrations significantly increased as the boron application rate increased. In addition, boron application resulted in significant increase in leaf total chlorophyll, total carbohydrates, total sugars, carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio and decrease in total phenol content. Boron showed higher impact than nitrogen on all tested parameters. The interaction treatment of 250?mg L^?1 boron and 1500?g/tree nitrogen proved to be the best treatment.     

Alleviation of alternate bearing phenomenon in mango (Mangifera indica L.) trees using boron and nitrogen fertilization

Abstract

This investigation was conducted during two successive seasons (2014/2015) and (2015/2016) using 15?years old productive mango (Mangifera indica) trees cv. Zebda. The trees were grown at AlMalak Valley Farm, El-Sharkeya Governorate- Egypt (30–51° North; 32–53° East). Trees were planted 8?×?8 meter within and between rows in sandy soil under drip irrigation system using the Nile water. The objective of this study is to alleviate alternate bearing in cv. Zebda using mineral nutrients (nitrogen in the on year and boron in the off year). Treatments included three concentrations of nitrogen (1000, 1250, 1500?g/tree/year) and three concentrations of boron (0.0, 250, 500?mg L^?1). Nitrogen was applied to the soil as ammonium sulfate and boron was applied as foliar spray of boric acid. The extra amount of nitrogen fertilizer (250 and 500?g N/tree) was applied at three installments in (May, June and July). Treatment was arranged in a factorial Completely Randomized Block Design with three replicates for each treatment. Results show that the on-year nitrogen fertilization significantly increased mango tree vegetative growth (number of shoot/branch, shoot length, shoot thickness, number of leaves/meter and leaf area) and yield. The average yield in the on year is 85.5?kg/tree at 1250?g N/tree but 67.4?Kilogram/tree at 1000?g N/tree (the control treatment). While in the off year boron foliar application resulted in a significant increase in flowering, initial fruit set, final fruit set and fruit yield. The average yield in the off year is 47?kg/tree at 250?mg L^?1 boron but 9?kg/tree at 0.0?mg L^?1 boron rate (the control treatment).The interaction treatment of 250?mg L^?1 boron + 1500?g nitrogen/tree is the best treatment as it resulted in the highest values for all the tested parameters. The average yield of this treatment is 53.5?kg/tree. This treatment helps alleviate alternate bearing phenomenon by 41% and obtain the highest economic yield in the off-year, i.e. increased yield by 5.9 fold.     

Response of two pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cultivars to six boron concentrations: Growth performance,nutrient status,gas exchange parameters,chlorophyll fluorescence,and proline and carbohydrate content

One-year-old, own-rooted pomegranate cultivars “Ermioni” and “Wonderful” plants were irrigated for 75 days with modified Hoagland nutrient solutions containing 0–10 mg L^?1 boron (B). At the end of the experiment, the control plants of “Ermioni” presented better growth performance than those of “Wonderful.” However, there were no differences in the treatments with high B concentration (5.0 or 10 mg L^?1). Control “Wonderful” plants had higher fresh and dry matter than control “Ermioni” plants. Moreover, the highest B concentrations in nutrient solution led to a significant increase in chlorophyll and carbohydrate content in the leaves of cultivar “Ermioni.” Furthermore, leaf proline concentration, gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, and micro–macronutrients of both cultivars were not affected by any of the tested B treatments. B concentration in plant parts was linearly correlated to B supply. The highest B concentrations were observed in roots followed by stems and apical and basal leaves.     

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) growth,yield and quality response to nitrogen fertilization in a non-circulating hydroponic system

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of nitrogen fertilization rate on growth and quality of leafy lettuce grown during the winter season in non-circulating hydroponic system. Plants were subjected to seven nitrogen (N) concentrations, i.e. 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 mg L^?1 N using ammonium nitrate. Nitrogen treatments did not have a significant effect on leaf fresh and dry mass, root fresh and dry mass, number leaves and leaf area. Leaf ascorbic acid and total phenolic content, and antioxidant capacity peaked at 100 and 120 mg L^?1 N, whereas leaf chlorophyll concentration linearly increased with increasing N application. The results indicate that a solution N concentration of 100 and 120 mg L^?1 may be sufficient to improve growth, yield and quality parameters of leafy lettuce grown in non-circulating hydroponic system.     

Boron fertilization improves seed yield and harvest index of Camelina sativa L. by affecting source-sink

The impact of soil (1, 2 kg ha^?1) and foliar (100, 200 mg L^?1) boron (B) with control (no B) was evaluated on phenology and yield formation of Camelina each applied at stem elongation and flowering stages. Foliar (200 mg L^?1) or soil B (2 kg ha^?1) resulted in earlier flowering and maturity, increased fruit bearing branches (19.68%), number of siliqua, seeds per siliqua (4.6%), biological yield (15%), seed yield (24%), harvest index (11.4%) and oil contents (23%) than no B. Increased fruit bearing branches, seed filled siliqua or seed numbers, harvest index and oil quality can be attributed to changes in dry matter accumulated of stem with simultaneous increase in siliqua dry weight with foliar or soil applied B. In crux, foliar (200 mg L^?1) or soil applied (2 kg ha^?1) B seems promising to improve seed and oil yield, harvest index of Camelina sativa under B deficient condition.     

Effect of boron application on calcium and boron concentrations in cell wall of durum (Triticum durum) and bread (Triticum aestivum) wheat

A greenhouse experiment was conducted with three doses of boron (0, 1, and 10 mg B kg^?1 in the form of boric acid (H₃BO₃). Durum wheat (Triticum durum L. cv: Çakmak-79) and bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv: Gerek-79) cultivars were used as plant material. B toxicity symptoms strongly appeared in durum wheat compared to bread wheat. Applications of B at 1.0 mg B kg^?1 stimulated and increased the dry weights of both the cultivars, while high level B application (i.e., 10 mg B kg^?1) depressed and decreased the dry weights significantly. B concentration and uptake in the leaf tip were increased with an increase in B application, whereas calcium (Ca) concentration and uptake were decreased in both the cultivars. It was observed that a substantial amount of B was accumulated in the plant cell wall. As similar to leaf tips, B concentrations in the cell wall also increased with B application, whereas Ca concentration was decreased.     

IAA and 4‐Cl‐IAA Increases the Growth and Nitrogen Fixation in Mung Bean

A commonly occurring auxin indole‐3‐aceticacid (IAA) and a rarely occurring chlorosubstituted auxin (4‐Cl‐IAA) were compared for their impact on growth and nitrogen metabolism in mung bean for the first time. The plants were generated from healthy and Rhizobium coated seeds in earthen pots. The seedlings at 7 and/or 14 days were percolated with 0, 10^?10, 10^?8, or 10^?6 M of IAA or 4‐Cl‐IAA. The plants were sampled at 30 days after sowing (DAS) to assess the growth and various biochemical characteristics. The auxins significantly enhanced the growth (length and dry mass of shoot and root), nodule fresh mass, nitrogenase activity in fresh nodules, leaf carbonic anhydrase activity, chlorophyll content, and rate of photosynthesis. The effect of the auxins lasted up to the harvest where the seed yield, 100 seed mass, and number of pods per plant were significantly affected by the auxins. At a moderate concentration (10^?8 M), 4‐Cl‐IAA generated the best response. However, a comparable response was generated by the higher concentration (10^?6 M) of 4‐Cl‐IAA. The application of the hormone twice (at 7 and 14 DAS) was much more effective than single application (at 7 or 14 DAS). It was concluded that IAA and 4‐Cl‐IAA improved the growth and nitrogen fixation in mung bean. The 4‐Cl‐IAA proved more effective than IAA.     

Interactive effects of zinc and boron on growth,photosynthesis, and water relations in pistachio

The effects of zinc (Zn) and boron (B) on some physiological and biochemical characteristics of pistachio (Pistacia vera L. cv. Badami) seedlings were evaluated in a greenhouse study. It was found that both high levels (10 and 20 mg B kg^?1 soil) and also lack of B account for the reduction in growth and photosynthesis parameters, especially at low Zn levels. Moreover, Zn deficiency resulted in a reduction in the net photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance. However, the adverse effects of B deficiency and toxicity were alleviated by increasing Zn levels up to 10 mg kg^?1 soil. In addition, provided that B and Zn are adequate, synergism can be observed between the two nutrients. This is because sufficient amounts B accelerated the effects of Zn by raising the plant dry weight, photosynthesis parameters, carbonic anhydrase activity, and chlorophyll contents. This increase was reported higher in comparison with Zn alone application. It was concluded that Zn may act as a scavenger of reactive oxygen species (ROS) for mitigating the injury on biomembranes under B stress. Adequate concentration of Zn also prevents uptake and accumulation of excess B in leaf by increasing membrane integrity of root cells. Similarly, B application in adequate concentration plays an important structural role in the cell wall and influences a great variety of physiological processes in pistachio seedlings.     

Economic viability of Phaseolus vulgaris (BRS Estilo) production in irrigated system in a function of application of leaf boron

Foliar fertilization may be a viable strategy to boron supply in irrigated cropping systems with common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), since it prevent B leaching. The aim of this work was to evaluate the economic viability and physiological parameters of the common beans production in irrigated cropping systems using sources and increasing foliar boron doses. A field experiment was carried out using an experimental block design in a factorial scheme 2?×?5?×?3, with two sources of B (boric acid and borax) and five doses: 0 (control), 2, 4, 6 e 8?kg?ha^?1, with three repetitions. Foliar B applications were performed at 40 days after seeds germination, in pre-flowering stage. Physiological process (transpiration, stomatal conductance, CO₂ internal concentration, net photosynthesis, and relative chlorophyll index), B level in leaves and grain yield were measured. These data were used to determine the economic viability of B fertilization in common beans. Both boric acid and borax increased B levels in common beans leaves. Borax affected some physiological process reducing stomatal conductance and increasing net photosynthesis. Using borax, the highest net photosynthesis was observed at a rate of 4?kg?ha^?1, while the boric acid increased net photosynthesis linearly after increasing B doses application. An enhance of 311?kg?ha^?1 in the grain yield was observed using borax related to the control (without B application); however, grain yield decreased linearly after application of increasing B doses, as boric acid. Comparing the economic viability of sources and doses of B, the highest profitability is obtained using borax at a rate of 4?kg?ha^?1, which promoting a differential profit of US$534.44 per hectare compared to common beans cropping without B.     

Effects of Boron and Paclobutrazol on Growth,Fruit Set,Nutrient Uptake,and Alternate Bearing of Muye Red Bayberry

Alternate bearing, resulting mainly from boron (B) deficiency, and excessive fruits in the alternate years of red bayberry trees are the most important limiting factors for production. This investigation was conducted on 18-year-old Muye red bayberry trees (Myrica rubra Sieb. et Zuca) in a commercial red bayberry orchard located in Laxi County, Zhejiang Province in 2006–2007.The results indicated that foliar application of paclobutrazol (PB) significantly increased the vegetative growth parameters (i.e., spring shoot incident and spring shoot length). Spring shoot incidents and spring shoot lengths of red bayberry were increased with increasing PB concentrations, but the optimum fruit yield and quality were obtained from foliar-applied PB at 100–200 mg L^?1 at full bloom. Foliar application of PB increased the contents of N and K in the leaves with increases of PB concentrations up to 300–600 mg L^?1. Fruit quality of red bayberry trees treated with PB or and boron fertilizer (BF) was improved at full bloom. Foliar application of PB reduced the percentage of fruit set by 62.1% in the year after treatment with PB but increased the yield by 49.0% the following year. Foliar application of PB at 100–300 mg L^?1 gave the most significant improvement in fruit quality: increase in fruit weight, soluble solid content, and the ratio of soluble solids (SS)?/?total acidity (TA) and decrease in total acidity. Foliar application of BF slightly reduced the fruit yields in the current year but significantly increased those the following year. Combined application of BF and PB or application of PB alone markedly reduced the fruit yields in 2006 by 40.5% and 43.8%, respectively, but markedly increased those by 44.6% and 17.8% in 2007, respectively. The effects of alleviating alternate bearing of red bayberry for different treatments followed the order of combined application of FB + PB > PB > BF > control. It is suggested that PB and BF can be used to alleviate alternate bearing.     

Comparison of Relationships Between pH, Dissolved Oxygen and Chlorophyll a for Aquaculture and Non-aquaculture Waters

The relationships between pH, dissolved oxygen (DO) and chlorophyll a in aquaculture and non-aquaculture waters are assessed in this paper. The research includes the evaluation of field and experimental studies at the Panjiakou Reservoir (between Aug and Oct 2009) and the review of international data covering two decades. The results indicated that typical eutrophic non-aquaculture water had mean concentrations of chlorophyll a of higher than 10 ??g L^?1, and significant positive correlations were found between pH, DO and chlorophyll a. When the mean concentration of chlorophyll a was less than 10 ??g L^?1, no correlation was found between DO and chlorophyll a for waters with a high exchange rate or heavily organically polluted natural waters. Diurnal variations were found for both pH and DO. A corresponding significant positive correlation was found between both water quality parameters. In general, when the mean concentration of chlorophyll a was less than 10 ??g L^?1 within aquaculture waters of low exchange rate, only a weak or no correlation at all was found between pH, DO and chlorophyll a during summer and autumn. On the other hand, a significant positive correlation between pH and chlorophyll a and a significant positive correlation or no correlation between DO and chlorophyll a were found for aquaculture waters with a high exchange rate during summer and autumn. Strong diurnal variations for both pH and DO were identified. A significant positive linear correlation between pH and DO was found for field enclosure experiments.     

Influence of boron fertilization on cauliflower productivity,nutrient uptake and soil nutrient status in an acid Alfisol in Northwestern Himalaya

ABSTRACT

Modern agriculture over the years has resulted in depletion of boron (B) from soil which has been emerged as a serious obstacle for sustainable agriculture. We studied the availability of B in soil and cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.) productivity under different levels of B fertilization. A field experiment was conducted during 2013–2014 and 2014–2015, at experimental farm of Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur on silt-clay loam soil (acid Alfisol) under mid hill wet temperate condition. Different levels of B for the study included 0, 0.75, 1.5, 2.5, 5, 10, 20 and 30 kg B ha^?1 along with recommended dose (RD) of NPK and farmyard manure (FYM, 20 t ha^?1). The application of B influenced biological yield significantly up to 5 kg ha^?1. Highest curd yield in 2013–2014 (11.03 t ha^?1) and 2014–2015 (12.93 t ha^?1) was recorded in 1.5 and 0.75 kg ha^?1 B along with NPK + FYM, respectively. At higher rates of boron i.e. 10, 20 and 30 kg ha^?1, due to toxic effects, a reduction in curd yield was recorded in both years. Maximum mean uptake of N, P and K by leaves and curd was recorded with the application of boron at 1.5 kg ha^?1, whereas mean B uptake was highest when boron was applied at 2.5 kg ha^?1. The highest mean value (1.79 mg kg^?1) of soil available boron was recorded with 30 kg B ha^?1. Application of boron at 2.4 kg ha^?1 was worked out as optimum dose for cauliflower.     

Effect of nitrogen– boron interaction on plant growth and tissue nutrient concentration of canola (Brassica napus L.)

Pot experiments were conducted in the greenhouse on a calcareous soil to study the effect of nitrogen on the alleviation of boron toxicity in canola (Brassica napus L.). The treatments consisted of factorial combination of six levels of B (0, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, and 40 mg kg^?1 as boric acid), and four levels of nitrogen (N) (0, 75, 150 and 300 mg kg^?1 as urea) in a completely randomized design with three replicates. Boron (B) application significantly reduced the yield, whereas N addition alleviated the growth suppression effects caused by B supplements. Boron concentration increased with addition B. However, boron concentration in shoot declined with increasing N levels. Increasing N and B rates increased N concentration. Soil application of B increased proline concentration. However, the supply of N decreased it. Generally, application of B decreased potassium (K):B and calcium (Ca):B ratios, chlorophyll concentration, while N application increased them. It is concluded that N fertilization can be used effectively in controlling B toxicity in canola grown in B-affected soils.     

Silicon Improves Water Use Efficiency in Maize Plants

Abstract

The influence of silicon (Si) on water use efficiency (WUE) in maize plants (Zea mays L. cv. Nongda108) was investigated and the results showed that plants treated with 2 mmol L^?1 silicic acid (Si) had 20% higher WUE than that of plants without Si application. The WUE was increased up to 35% when the plants were exposed to water stress and this was accounted for by reductions in leaf transpiration and water flow rate in xylem vessels. To examine the effect of silicon on transpiration, changes in stomata opening were compared between Si-treated and nontreated leaves by measuring transpiration rate and leaf resistance. The results showed that the reduction in transpiration following the application of silicon was largely due to a reduction in transpiration rate through stomata, indicating that silicon influences stomata movement. In xylem sap of plants treated with 2 mmol L^?1 silicic acid, the Si concentration was 200-fold higher, while the Ca concentration which is mainly determined by the transpiration rate, was 2.5-fold lower than that of plants grown without Si. Furthermore, the water flow rate in xylem vessels of plants with and without Si was compared. Flow rate in plants with 2 mmol L^?1 Si was 20% lower than that without Si, which was accounted for by the increased affinity for water in xylem vessels induced by silica deposits. These results demonstrated the role of Si in improving WUE in maize plants.     

Effect of foliar and soil application of urea on leaf nutrients concentrations,yield and fruit quality of pomegranate

The influence of foliar application of 1% urea and four rates of urea (100, 200, 300 and 400 g tree^?1) as soil application (deep fertilizer placement) were studied on leaf nutrients concentrations, yield and fruit quality of ‘Malas e Torsh e Saveh’ pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) during 2010 and 2011 growing seasons. Trees that received 300 and 400 g urea as soil application showed positive significant response on fruit yield, average fruit weight, aril weight percent of fruit, 100 arils weight, fruit diameter and TSS. Foliar application of urea had also significant effects on average fruit weight, aril weight percent of fruit and 100 arils weight. Nitrogen concentration increased linearly in leaves with the increase in rate of urea-applied. According to results, deep soil application of urea under the conditions of this study was more effective on pomegranate fruit yield and quality characters than foliar application of urea.     

Determining critical limit of boron in soil for wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Abstract

Critical values of boron (B) for wheat nutrition in soil and plant were determined through a pot experiment with twenty-one surface soils of Alluvial flood plain and Red-latertic belt comprising three major soil orders (Entisols, Alfisols, Inceptisols) with four levels of boron. Application of boron significantly increased the dry matter yield as well as uptake of B by plants. Critical concentration of hot calcium chloride (CaCl₂) extractable B in soil for wheat was found to be 0.53?mg?kg^?1. The critical plant B concentration varied with growth stages and values were 7.4?mg?kg^?1 at panicle initiation and 4.18?mg?kg^?1 at maturity, respectively. The findings of this investigation also recommend the application of 2?kg?B^?1?ha^?1 for ensuring B sufficiency to wheat in Indo-gangetic alluvial and Red-Lateritic soils.     

Effect of Calcium and Boron Sprays on Yield and Quality of “Elsanta” Strawberry

Abstract

The aim of the experiment was to examine the effects of foliar applications of calcium (Ca) and boron (B) on yield and fruit quality of “Elsanta” strawberries grown on a sandy loam soil with low status of available B. The study was conducted in 1999–2000 at a commercial strawberry plantation in Central Poland. Cold‐stored strawberries were planted in 1998 at a spacing of 0.25 × 0.8 m. The following treatments were applied: (i) five sprays of Ca as CaCl₂ at a rate of 1.5 kg Ca ha^?1 spray^?1 with addition of Tween 20 adjuvant at 0.1%; the first spray was performed at the petal fall stage and the next at 5‐day intervals; (ii) three sprays of B as Borvit material at a rate of 160 g B ha^?1 spray^?1 at the beginning of flowering and 5, and 10 days later; (iii) sprays of B and Ca as in the combination of (i) and (ii). Plants sprayed with water served as the control. Results showed that fruit and leaves from Ca‐treated plants had increased Ca concentrations. Sprays with B increased status of this microelement in fruit and leaf tissues. Treatments did not affect total and marketable fruit yield, mean berry weight, the number deformed fruit, soluble solids concentration and titratable acidity of fruit at harvest. Fruit sprayed with Ca or B plus Ca were firmer and more resistant to Botrytis rot at harvest and after 3 days of holding at 18°C compared to those of control plots. Moreover, sprays of Ca or B plus Ca increased soluble solids concentration and titratable acidity of fruit after 3 days of holding at room temperature. These results indicate that sprays of CaCl₂ with addition of Tween 20 should be recommended to improve quality and shelf‐life of strawberry fruit, particularly in proecological production where application of fungicides is restricted.     

Assessment of critical limit of boron for cowpea in piedmont soils of Arunachal Pradesh

A study was conducted with 24 piedmont soils of Arunachal Pradesh (India) to estimate the critical limit of available boron (B) in soil and cowpea plant for predicting the response of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) to B application. The critical concentration of available B in these soils was established by graphical procedure at 0.48 mg kg^?1 for soil and at 24.5 mg kg^?1 in the plant tissues. Soil containing available B below the critical limit responded appreciably to B fertilization. A negative response to B application was also observed in soils at higher level of available B. The average dry matter yield increased with the increasing level of B application up to 1.5 mg kg^?1. The yield response to B application in cowpea on B deficient soils was 34.5%. Based on the critical value of 0.48 mg kg^?1, 10 soils were rated to be adequate and 20.0% soils belonging to this category responding to B application, whereas 85.7% soils below the critical value showed a positive response to B application. The hot water soluble B was significantly and positively correlated with organic carbon, cation exchange capacity and clay contents and negatively correlated with pH, silt and sand contents of soils.