Studies on the Roles of Boron in Growth and Sugar-Transport Processes of Sugarcane

Abstract

Sugarcane growth and quality responses to low boron supply were examined with immature plants propagated in sand culture over a period of 5 1/2 months. Plants receiving only traces of boron in once-distilled water experienced significant growth and quality losses without developing visual B-deficiency symptoms. Growth decline was largely confined to lateral internode expansion. Boron insufficiency lowered sucrose production in leaves and significantly altered the rates of sugar transport in bathing storage-tissue slices. Evidence of biochemical boron roles in leaves and of physical-biochemical roles in storage tissues is presented. The importance of major micronutrient restrictions within the realm of "hidden hunger" is discussed.