Production and quality of Sweet Grape tomato in response to foliar fertilization with boron

ABSTRACT Boron (B) fertilizer application for tomato crop can be carried out by applying the nutrient to the soil or by spraying liquid solutions on leaves. The use of different fertilizers containing B can interfere in fertilization efficiency, since the performance of each product can be determined by its physicochemical properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the application efficiency of two boron-based commercial foliar fertilizers applied at two time intervals and their possible effects on production components of Sweet Grape tomato. An experiment was conducted under commercial hydroponic system in split-split plot scheme that combined two doses of boron in the nutrient solution [sufficient (25 µmol L-1) or insufficient (6.25 µmol L-1)], two intervals between foliar sprays of B (seven or 14-day intervals) and two commercial foliar fertilizers [boric acid (0.34 g L-1) and sodium octaborate (0.36 g L-1)]. A positive effect of boron foliar fertilization was observed on the productivity or on fruit quality when a condition of B deficiency was noticed in plants, without significant difference in effects concerning the two B-source and the frequency of these applications.

摘要 硼（B）肥在番茄栽培中的施用可通过土壤基施该营养元素或叶面喷施液态制剂两种方式实现。不同含硼肥料的使用会影响施肥效率，因为各产品的施用效果由其理化性质决定。本研究旨在评估两种市售含硼叶面肥料在两种喷施间隔下的施用效率，及其对“甜葡萄”番茄产量构成性状的潜在影响。本试验采用裂裂区试验设计，在商业化水培系统中开展，设置3个试验因素：①营养液硼浓度（充足水平25 µmol L-1、不足水平6.25 µmol L-1）；②叶面喷施硼肥的间隔周期（7天或14天）；③两种市售叶面硼肥（硼酸0.34 g L-1、八硼酸钠0.36 g L-1）。结果表明，当植株出现硼素缺乏时，叶面施硼可显著提升番茄产量或改善果实品质，且两种硼肥源以及喷施频次对肥效无显著影响。