Science Letters

Effect of Boron Application on Growth, Yield and Quality of Bitter Gourd

Sadia Sultana*, Abid Niaz, Zahid Ashfaq Ahmed, Shakeel Ahmed Anwer, Muhammad Ashfaq Anjum, Muhammad Ilyas

Soil Chemistry Section, Institute of Soil Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan

Abstract

Boron is an essential plant nutrient which plays an integral role during cell division, sugar transportation, reproduction as well as in the physiological and biochemical events occurring in plants, especially related to the enhancement of quality of crops. Boron has also been found imperative for human health, as it is involved in mineral and hormonal metabolism, enzyme action and other important cell membrane functions. Therefore, keeping in view the importance of this micro-nutrient, this study was planned to assess the effects of boron on the yield and quality of bitter gourd. Three replicated field experiments were laid down in randomized complete block design with six treatments. Control, recommended NPK, 0.5, 0.75, 1 and 1.25 kg boron/ha along with recommended NPK. The results showed that boron had a significant effect on bitter gourd fruit yield and the highest yield (14.1 t/ha) was obtained in the treatment where 1.25 kg/ha boron was applied while the low yield (5 t/ha) was obtained from control. The visual quality parameters (size, girth and weight) were significantly improved by boron application and it was increased with increasing boron levels. The highest boron concentration (30ppm) in bitter gourd fruit was noted in the treatment where highest boron (1.25 kg boron /ha) was applied, whereas minimum boron concentration (7.8 ppm) was found in control, where no boron was applied. The results also revealed that boron has non-significant effects on the uptake of N and P, but had a significant effect on the uptake of K and Zn.