Effect of Boron Deficiency on Nicotine Formation in Tobacco
Steinberg, R.A., 1955: Effect of Boron Deficiency on Nicotine Formation in Tobacco. Plant Physiology 30(1): 84-86
Total alkaloid content in Connecticut Broadleaf tobacco grown in water-culture was not affected by moderate deficiencies of Fe, Zn, Cu and Mo. Severe manganese deficiency resulted in decreased nicotine formation; and boron deficiency markedly increased nicotine formation. Increased nicotine formation in boron deficient plants began prior to appearance of apical leaf asymmetry and bud necrosis, but subsequent to excessive root branching. Roots of B deficient plants comprised a larger proportion of the plant as a whole than the controls; and had a far larger number of root-tips.