Agriculture and Forestry: Controlling Brown-Heart in Rutabagas

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Controlling Brown-Heart in Rutabagas

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Agdex #: 163/541

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Brown-heart in PEI rutabagas (turnips) is a reoccurring problem that has plagued the industry for some time. It is known that boron is the most effective way to cure this disorder; however, the method of applying boron has remained a problem. There are three (3) general procedures which can be followed when applying boron to rutabagas.

1. Apply as foliar spray
Two applications required; one 4-6 weeks after seeding then another 2 weeks after initial spray. Each spray should supply 1.1 kg/ha (1.0 lb/ac) of actual boron in 90 litres (20 gal.) of water. Solubor which is 20% boron is the recommended material for spraying.

Example:
2.25 kg. (5 lb.) of Solubor in 90 litres (20 gal.) of water, 4-6 weeks after seeding. Plus a similar spraying 2 weeks later.

2. Apply in the fertilizer
As an additive to fertilizer, boron application should be 1.5 - 2.0 kg/ha if the pH is less than 6.0 and 2.0 - 3.0 kg/ha if the pH is 6.0 or greater. Light sandy soils require more boron than heavier, loamy soils. Boron applied in fertilizer may not be completely effective due to separation within the mix or to dry soil conditions.

3. Apply in fertilizer and spray
Brown-heart control can be insured by applying boron in both the fertilizer and foliar spray. Boron applied in the fertilizer should be the same as in the application described in #2. In addition, a single foliar spray as described in #1 is also applied 5-7 weeks after seeding.

Example:
Boron in fertilizer as recommended in #2. Plus 2.25 kg Solubor per 90 litres water; 5 - 7 weeks after seeding. (Recommended)

Note: For foliar applied boron to be effective, it is important that a surfactant/wetting agent be used in the spray tank. A number of commercial products are available and should be used according to label directions.
(Revised February 3, 2000)

This information has been taken from the website:
Agriculture and Forestry
URL: http://www.gov.pe.ca/af/agweb/index.php3?number=71226&lang=E

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