Barclay Crop Protection

Use of Boron in oilseed rape

Boron is important for good autumn oilseed rape establishment

Boron's vital for autumn rape establishment

Growers returning to the oilseed rape fold this year have been reminded of the crop's appetite for a crucial trace element.

Boron is vital in rape's metabolism, with highest demand occurring when the crop is actively growing. Heavily involved in cell wall structure, the plant places a huge demand on the element during root and shoot establishment.

"Appalling establishment of many rape crops last year has made growers more determined to ensure the new season gets off to a good start," says Bryan Pickles of Barclay Crop Protection.

"Because boron is so heavily involved in new tissue growth, growers would do well to consider whether an application could be beneficial.

"Land which has been in a rotation including rape is the most likely candidate for treatment," he says, "because about 80grams/ha of boron is removed at harvest, out of a total requirement of 320g/ha.

"By applying boron in autumn too, rather than solely pre-flowering in spring, growers can ensure strong root systems in the crop and a healthy, vigorous transport system to guarantee good nutrient supply through the plant.

"These will both benefit the plant when it comes to flowering," he points out.

Autumn applications are best timed to fit in with existing herbicide and fungicide treatments.

"Because it's a foliar application, it's very simple to incorporate Solubor into a tank-mix such as propyzamide and any of several fungicides, without imposing extra loads on a busy autumn spraying schedule."

Soil testing now will reveal any deficiency, advises Mr Pickles, giving growers plenty of time to make any decisions about necessary boron applications later next month.

Where a shortage is identified, Mr Pickles urges growers to 'spoon-feed' the crop. "The recommended rate for Solubor is 2-3kg/ha, but I'd suggest making at least two applications if there's the opportunity in your planned spray programme," he says. "Appropriate uptake by the plant depends on good leaf interception, so it makes sense to split the dose - 1.5kg now, 1.5kg pre-flowering - to allow the plant to make best use of the element."