Effect of boron application on growth, yield parameters, yield, quality, nutrient uptake and economics of sunflower

Abstract

Sunflower (Helianthus annum L.) being the third most important oilseed crop is grown extensively in India owing to its wider adaptability. Oil is considered premium for human consumption due to higher nutritional properties such as polyunsaturated acids, linoleic and oleic acid controlling blood cholesterol and good for heart patients. Sunflower is sensitive to boron deficiency which is a concern in present agricultural soils as a result of improper management and practices. Boron has various functions viz., translocation of sugar, pollen fertility, stigma receptivity and nectar production resulting in higher number of filled seeds. Deficiency symptoms are noticed in leaves, stem, reproductive parts and heads. Boron application was found to play a significant role in achieving potential yield by improving the growth attributes, yield attributes, nutrient uptake leading to increase productivity of sunflower. Research evidences from investigations of different eminent research scientist on application of boron by soil or foliar spray in sunflower has been reviewed panoramically.