Effect of Foliar Spraying with Different Concentrations of Chelated Boron on Humic and Fulvic Acids on Growth, Yield and Chemical Composition of Potato Grown in Sandy Soils

Abstract

This investigation was carried out at the Agricultural Research Station, National Research Centre, El-Nubaria, Egypt, during the two successive seasons of 2020 and 2021. The layout of the study was complete randomized blocks in three replicates. The experiment aimed to compare the chelated boron on humic and fulvic acids, extracted in the laboratory from compost, with the commercial one, in addition to investigate their foliar spraying effects at different rates (2, 3 and 4 ml L -1 ) on plant growth, productivity and quality of potato. Results showed that no significant differences were detected between chelated boron prepared in the laboratory and the commercial compound in their effects on the growth of potato plants as well as yield and its attributes however, the best results were obtained by 4 ml L -1 . Concerning starch, protein, nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium and boron contents, the highest values were recorded as a result of spraying the plants by 4 ml L -1 for all studied boron types. In contrast, boron had no effect on chlorophyll content in potato leaves for all used treatments. It could be concluded that chelated boron at 4 ml L -1 was effective for enhancing potato growth, production as well as improving its quality, regardless the source of used boron.