PELTOPHORUM DASYRACHIS SEEDLING GROWTH RESPONSE TO DIFFERENT LEVELS OF BORON

Abstract

Five boron treatments (0, 10, 20, 40, and 60 ppm) were applied to Peltophorum dasyrachis (Kurz) seedlings. Height and diameter were measured after one month. In addition, leaves were partitioned as damaged or undamaged and measured for dry weight and nutrient concentrations and contents. The results demonstrate that boron had both a growth enhancement and a toxic impact on the seedlings. The 10-ppm boron treatment enhanced growth (albeit nonsignificantly) relative to the control, while the 20-, 40-, and 60-ppm treatments were detrimental to growth. With higher boron treatment levels, the number and dry weight of damaged leaves were significantly higher. Foliar concentrations of potassium, magnesium, and especially boron also increased significantly with higher treatment levels.