Severe boron deficiency in young oil palms in Sumatra.

Abstract

Widespread symptoms of B deficiency, ranging from mild to very severe, were observed on 4- to 5-year-old palms on loams or sandy loams. Palms on coastal clay were not affected. The deficiency was remedied by the application of borax or high grade fertilizer borate to the soil at rates according to palm age. B fertilizer should no longer be applied to frond axils.