The Effect of Foliar Boron Application on Seed Production of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)
Abstract
Boron (B) is an essential micronutrient for plant reproductive growth and seed setting. A better understanding of the reasonable application rate of B could provide guidelines for improving seed yield and quality. In this study, we used five B concentrations (0, 400, 800, 1200, and 1600 mg B L-1) to study the effect of foliar application of B on seed yield and quality of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) in northern China. Our results indicated that foliar B application increased the pollen number, pollen viability, and dry weight and B concentration of alfalfa reproductive organs. The effect of B on alfalfa seed yield can be attributed to affecting the number of inflorescence and the seeds per pod. Foliar application with 800 mg B L-1 made quantitative and qualitative improvements in seed yield and quality of alfalfa. These results help to explain the positive effects of B on alfalfa seed production.
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