Boron and Its Role in Plant Nutrition

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Questions and Answers

How does boron influence the synthesis of pectin in plants?

Boron promotes the complete degradation of pectin.

Boron increases pectin synthesis.

Boron lowers pectin synthesis. (correct)

Boron has no effect on pectin synthesis.

What role does pectin methylesterase play in relation to aluminum in plants?

It increases the degree of methylation of pectin.

It enhances the absorption of aluminum in roots.

It helps to reduce the toxicity of aluminum. (correct)

It limits the binding of aluminum to carboxyl groups in pectin.

In response to aluminum stress, how does boron alleviate potential toxicity?

By promoting ROS production.

By regulating the activity of H+-ATPase. (correct)

By increasing aluminum uptake.

By enhancing chlorophyll content.

What are the effects of cadmium at toxic levels on plants?

Stunted growth and chlorosis. Signup and view all the answers

Which element is indicated as having a significant interaction with boron in the context of plant stress?

Aluminum. Signup and view all the answers

What physiological changes are observed in seedlings of trifoliate orange due to cadmium exposure?

Altered growth and antioxidant activity. Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of boron on iron and zinc uptake in plants experiencing cadmium toxicity?

Boron blocks uptake of both elements. Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested about the degree of pectin methylation in relation to aluminum sensitivity in plants?

Lower methylation decreases aluminum sensitivity. Signup and view all the answers

What role does manganese (Mn) play in relation to polyphenols in coffee plants?

It specifically increases lignin concentration. Signup and view all the answers

What is one significant effect of combined applications of Boron (B) and Zinc (Zn) in strawberry plants?

Increased soluble solids and ascorbic acid contents. Signup and view all the answers

How does Boron (B) influence the oil content in olive cultivars?

It promotes an increase in phenolic compounds. Signup and view all the answers

Which element showed antagonistic effects when combined with other nutrients in plant growth?

Aluminum (Al) Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the functions associated with manganese (Mn) in plants?

Control of lignin and suberin biosynthesis. Signup and view all the answers

How does the application of B and Mn affect pea plants?

It promotes shelling ratio and plant growth. Signup and view all the answers

What dosages of Boron and Zinc are identified to yield the highest number of strawberry fruits?

2 kg B ha-1 and 3 kg Zn ha-1 Signup and view all the answers

What is a known effect of aluminum (Al) on plant health?

Non-functional role in plants. Signup and view all the answers

How does boron (B) influence iron (Fe) absorption in plants?

B indirectly influences Fe absorption by enhancing plant growth. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does aluminum (Al) have on the cell wall components in plants?

It induces alterations in pectin and hemicellulose structure. Signup and view all the answers

In hydroponically grown tomatoes, how do B levels influence Fe translocation?

B levels influence Fe translocation in a similar pattern to dry matter production. Signup and view all the answers

What is a proposed mechanism by which B alleviates Al toxicity in plants?

B facilitates the efflux of H+, regulating H+-ATPase activity. Signup and view all the answers

Which effect does boron application have on the levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in Al-treated plants?

It increases H2O2 levels in roots. Signup and view all the answers

What relationship exists between B levels and the production of lignin in plants subjected to aluminum treatment?

B application decreases lignin production in roots. Signup and view all the answers

How does boron affect the interaction between manganese (Mn) and aluminum (Al)?

B mitigates the effects of Al, lowering Mn levels. Signup and view all the answers

What role does boron play in the reallocation of apoplastic iron (Fe) in plant roots?

B facilitates the storage of apoplastic Fe. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Boron and Its Interaction with Other Elements in Plants

Boron (B) is an essential microelement for plant growth, development, and quality.
Around 50% of arable land globally is acidic, reducing the availability of essential minerals like B, magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), and potassium (K).
Plants absorb B as boric acid (H3BO3) in acidic soil and tetrahydroxy borate [B(OH)4] in neutral/alkaline soil.
Boron plays a direct or indirect role in cell wall and plasma membrane synthesis, carbohydrate/protein metabolism, and RNA formation.
B interacts with other nutrients including calcium (Ca), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and zinc (Zn).
B uptake, translocation, and accumulation influence plant adaptation to diverse environments.

Boron and Macronutrient Interactions

Nitrogen (N): B interaction with N affects vegetative growth, photosynthesis, and chlorophyll content positively.
Phosphorus (P): Interactions between B and P are not fully understood but B can regulate P transport genes and increase P levels in some plants.
Potassium (K): Positive interactions between B and K have been observed, enhancing seed oil content and yield in some species. Higher B levels increase K permeability.

Boron and Microelement Interactions

Aluminum (Al): Boron can alleviate aluminum toxicity by reducing Al uptake and improving antioxidant activity.
Zinc (Zn): Interactions between B and Zn can be either synergistic or antagonistic, affecting plant growth depending on soil conditions and species.
Manganese (Mn): B and Mn interactions impact overall plant growth and development. B and Mn treatments can reduce rust severity in wheat seedlings.

Boron and Other Elements

Calcium (Ca): B and Ca interact to strengthen pectin cross-linking in cell walls, affecting wall plasticity and elongation.
Silicon (Si): B and Si use similar transporters, suggesting potential competition or synergistic effects on uptake and transport in plants.
Cadmium (Cd): Boron can help the plant lessen cadmium toxicity by altering the expression of Cd transporters and affecting cellular detoxification pathways.

Boron Deficiency/Toxicity

Boron deficiency impairs plant development and function.
Boron toxicity also limits plant growth through a series of complex interactions.
Soil properties and the presence of other elements greatly influence both B deficiency and toxicity effects.
Different plants react differently to B levels throughout their development cycle.

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Description

This quiz explores the significance of boron as a microelement essential for plant growth and development. It discusses how boron interacts with other macronutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, particularly in varying soil conditions. Understand the implications of boron availability in agricultural practices.