On the Appearance of Boron Deficiency in Sugar Beet, Beta vulgaris L. by the Control of Soil Acidity

토양산도조정에 따른 사탕무우, Beta vulgaris L. 붕소결핍병의 출현에 관하여

Sandy loam plots of pH 5.5, which was created by the reclamation of highlands in Yongin county, Kyeonggi province, was selected for the present experimental study. Sugar beet was cultured in these plots by treating them with calcium hydroxide and 3 replications to maintain pH 5.5, 6.4, 6.8, 7.2, and 7.6, respectively. The growth and yield of sugar beet were investigated and the results obtained showed a great deal of boron deficiency. The growth in its early stage was favorable in high pH plots, while no significant difference was observed in sugar content, root weight and sugar production at the time of harvest in each treated plot. The tendency of sugar accumulation appeared to be identical in terms of pattern in each treated plot; i.e. sugar was accumulated until early September but declined momentarily from the middle of September and then the sugar accumulation was resumed from the middle of October. The number of individuals in boron deficiency was larger in high pH plots and the condition of such boron deficiency was also severe. The result of analysis of boron contained in plant body revealed that the boron content of individuals caused boron deficiency by water culture and that occurred in the plots was small alike. The appearance of boron deficiency is characterized by the emergence of black stripes on the surface of the basal part of petiole, severe necrosis of young leaves in the area of growing point and severe wrinkles. Therefore it is felt necessary to pay particular attention to boron deficiency in the culture of sugar beet in our country.