Type: Nutrition
Leaf Condition: White netted spots, Tip burn, Distorted, Marginal necrosis, Stunted
Leaf Color: Marginal chlorosis, Interveinal chlorosis
Leaf Location: Young
Fruit Condition: Deformed
Fruit Size: Small
Fruit Texture: Hard
Roots: Stunted
Plant Size: Stunted
Flower Condition: Distorted
Field Distribution: Random
Season: Pre harvest, Harvest

Problem

Nutritional disorder – boron (B) deficiency

Symptoms

Upper leaves distorted and chlorotic. Younger leaves develop tip burn and as leaves expand they become cupped and distorted. Marginal leaf yellowing can also occur with more severe deficiencies.

Deficiencies can also affect the flowers and fruit. Flowers are smaller, petals deformed or fail to develop. Fruit fail to fully expand and are deformed and bumpy.

Leaf tip burn associated with boron deficiency.

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Necrosis developing at growing tip due to the lack of boron.

Brian E. Whipker

Slight chlorosis and black spotting developing on runner leaves due to limited boron.

Brian E. Whipker

Deformed petals with boron deficiency.

Brian E. Whipker

Deformed fruit with boron deficiency.

Brian E. Whipker

Additional Information

Good root systems and environmental conditions that encourage evapo-transpiration through the leaves will aid in the uptake of boron.

Diagnostic Tips

Distorted and thicker leaves are typical. Submit a leaf sample for nutrient analysis. The sufficiency range for boron in strawberries is 25 to 50 ppm. Values lower than 20 to 25 ppm can lead to deficient conditions.

Corrective Measures

Foliar sprays of solubor (20% B) with rates based on recommendations from a soil and plant testing lab. Avoid excessive applications of boron which can lead to toxicities.

Management

B can be leached, especially in sandy soils. Strawberries are a moderate feeder for B. Test soil for B level prior to planting and follow local crop production guidelines for boron application in your area. Typical recommendations, based on if the soil test values indicate less than 1 ppm B, is an application of 1 pound of actual boron per acre prior to planting. Over application of boron can lead to toxicities.