Tuesday, 8 November 2005
4

Soil Tests and Yield Response of Potato to Soil and Foliar Applications of Boron.

Von D. Jolley1, Bryan G. Hopkins2, Jason W. Ellsworth2, Bruce L. Webb1, Aaron G. Cook2, and Tom Bowen2. (1) Brigham Young University, Department of Plant and Animal Sciences, 275 WIDB, Provo, UT 84602-5183, (2) University of Idaho, Idaho Falls R&E Center, 1776 Science Center Dr Ste 205, Idaho Falls, ID 83402-1575

Russet Burbank potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) was grown at two locations in southeastern Idaho. Five replications of 0 and 2.2 kg B/ha soil applied before planting and 0.22 kg B/ha foliar applied at tuber initiation were studied. Total yields averaged between 58.4 and 62.8 t/ha at the two locations. Soil B application increased total tuber yields by 2.1 t/ha and US No. 1 yields by 2.3 t/ha compared to the untreated control and increases were consistent at both locations. Impacts of foliar B application were inconsistent--no change or a decrease in US No. 1 compared to the control and the latter (decrease) occurred where total tuber yield increased compared to the control. Soil test B at the end of the season reflected the soil B application rates and corresponding yields. Average soil B for with and without soil B application were 0.78 and 0.51 mg/kg for hot water extraction, 1.5 and 1.0 mg/kg for pressurized hot water extraction, 0.97 and 0.73 mg/kg for DTPA-Sorbitol extraction. Soil tests associated with foliar application were intermediate compared to the values for with and without soil B application. That soil test values for pressurized hot water and DTPA-Sorbitol are reflected in increased potato yields substantiates their potential for substituting for the laborious hot water extraction. Studies on different rates of B and soil and foliar B applications after plant establishment are underway.

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