Effect of Boron Application On Growth, Yield Parameters, Nutrient Uptake, Quality and Economics of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.); A Review
P. Ramamoorthy *
Department of Soils and Environment, AC&RI, TNAU, Madurai- 625104, India.
G. Porkodi
Sugarcane Research Station, TNAU, Cuddalore-607001, India.
P. Christy Nirmala Mary
Department of Crop Management, AC&RI, TNAU, Kudumiyanmalai- 622104, India.
B. Bhakiyathu Saliha
Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, AC&RI, TNAU, Killikulam, India.
A. Sentlilkumar
Department of Soils and Environment, AC&RI, TNAU, Madurai- 625104, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Groundnut is an important crop cultivated all over world owing to its versatile nature of adaptation to different agro-climatic and soil conditions. In India groundnut gains momentum as an edible oil and India next to food grain. Nutritionally groundnut contains 50 % oil, 25-30 % protein, 20% carbohydrate and 5%fiber. The productivity is lower due to different factors among which nutrient management especially boron that plays pivot role in governing the growth, yield and quality of groundnut. Boron plays various role in the physiological processes of plants, such as cell elongation, cell maturation, meristematic tissue development and protein synthesis, cellular membrane function, reproductive structures and anti- oxidative defence system. It induces flowering, fertilization, hormonal metabolism and translocation of sugars from source to sink. Extensive investigations of research on boron levels were critically reviewed. Application of boron at 10-15 kg ha-1 of soil application and foliar application of 0.5 percent at critical stage was found to increase the growth and yield attributes, yield, quality as well as higher benefit cost ratio sustaining the livelihood of groundnut growers.
Keywords: Groundnut, boron, physiological process, soil application