Work

Deficiency and Toxicity Evaluations of Boron on the Biochemical Properties of Triticum Aestivum

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Boron (B) is an essential micronutrient for the normal growth and development of plants. The deficiency or excess affects the physiological and biochemical processes and is hence responsible for the decline in plant growth and productivity. Some plants tolerate high levels, and phytotoxicity problems are known to occur in soils with naturally elevated boron. This research assesses boron deficiency and toxicity of the biochemical properties of Triticum aestivum. The experiments were conducted with 6 B-level mg/kg, Boron deﬁcient (B0), sufficient (B10, B20, B30), and noxious (B50 and B60). Fifteen seeds of T. aestivum L were sown at 2 cm depth in pots with a height of 30 cm and a 25 cm diameter. The pots were ﬁlled with clay loam soil (3 kg) with a pH of 6.9, water holding capacity of 50.37%, bulk density of 0.96 g/cc, speciﬁc gravity of 4.03, and organic carbon of 0.82%. Biochemical constituents, including Chlorophyll a/b, leaf protein, proline, sugar, carotenoid, phenol, and amino acid contents, were analyzed. Results show that Chlorophyll a/b protein, proline, sugar, carotenoid, phenol, and amino acid contents increased at B sufficient levels (B20 and B30) and decreased at B deficient (B0) and toxic levels (B50 and B60). Moreover, the results showed that B deficiency as well as excess concentration affect plant growth and other morpho-physiological processes. The different concentrations of B (50 mg/kg) were moderately toxic, while (60 mg/kg) generated high toxicity and induced a B stress response to confer tolerance in wheat. Further, a possible mechanism of B toxicity response in wheat is suggested. Conclusively, growing tolerant crops may be the only sustainable solution to improve the growth and development of T. aestivum quantitatively and qualitatively.

Source: Polish Journal of Environmental Studies

DOI: 10.15244/pjoes/188898