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Boron requirement and deficiency symptoms of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum–graecum) as shown in a water culture experiment with inoculation of Rhizobium

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 March 2009

P. Mølgaard  and
R. Hardman
P. Mølgaard
Affiliation:
School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY
R. Hardman
Affiliation:
School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY
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Summary

This experiment was made to determine the possible reason for deficiency symptoms seen on fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) in field trials during the dry summer of 1976. Using rockwool cubes for root support, it was shown that symptoms seen in the field plants resulted from boron deficiency.

The symptoms of boron deficiency in fenugreek are described and illustrated. The main symptoms were failure offloweringor fertilization, decreased apical growth, small crisped leaves in a terminal rosette and a gradual yellowing of the lower leaves. In combination with low nitrogen, the boron-deficient plants had yellow, succulent leaves at a very early stage. High calcium and high nitrogen increased the demand for boron.

Inoculation with Rhizobium meliloti of plants with a low nitrogen supply was performed with success. The bacteria formed healthy, pink nodules on the roots inside the rockwool cubes.

The lowest content of boron in whole plants showing boron deficiency symptoms (no pods formed) was 13 μg/g and in this respect fenugreek is very similar to lucerne (Medicago sativa), a plant known to have a high boron requirement. Fenugreek has a high tolerance of excess boron.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Journal of Agricultural Science , Volume 94 , Issue 2 , April 1980 , pp. 455 - 460
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1980

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