AN ABSTRACT OF THE THESIS OF. Dale Ila Miles Riggs for the degree of Master of Science in. Horticulture presented on January 12, 1987.

Transcription

1 AN ABSTRACT OF THE THESIS OF Dale Ila Miles Riggs fr the degree f Master f Science in Hrticulture presented n January 12, Title: The Effect f Sil Applied Brn n Fruit Defrmity, Yield, and Brn Partitining in 'Tristar' and 'Bentn' Strawberries 2 A! Abstract apprved: l/~ U/byd W. Martin Induced B deficiency can cause strawberry fruit malfrmatin when grwn under greenhuse cnditins. Yield, defrmity percentages, and B partitining were examined in the field under sil B deficient cnditins. Initial sil tests in Feb., 1985 indicated sil B levels f.27 ppm. B applicatins f 0, 1.1, 2.2, and 4.5 kg/ha B were added befre planting the day-neutral cultivar 'Tristar' and the June-bearing cultivar 'Bentn'. Aug. sil tests indicated sil B levels f.34,.53,.85, and 1.13 ppm B, respectively. B applicatin had n effect n fruit yield r defrmity percentages f 'Tristar' in 1985, r f 'Bentn' in B applicatin decreased yield f 'Tristar' in 1986 but did nt affect defrmity. High ppulatins f Lygus bug (Lygus hesperus) appear t have caused the fruit defrmity in Current fertilizer guides recmmend B applicatin that may be detrimental t strawberry grwth and yield. Tissue analysis f ten plant parts was perfrmed three times

2 in 1985 fr bth cultivars and nce in 1986 fr 'Bentn 1. These analyses indicated B applicatin increased B cncentratin, but decreased dry weight, resulting in n net change in ttal B uptake in nnleaf tissue. At least 85% f the additinal B taken up by the plant accumulated in the leaf tissue.. Level f B in leaves did nt accurately indicate B status f ther plant parts.

3 The Effect f Sil Applied Brn n Fruit Defrmity, Yield and Brn Partitining in 'Tristar' and 'Bentn' Strawberries by Dale Ha Miles Riggs A THESIS submitted t Oregn State University in partial fulfillment f the requirements fr the degree f Master f Science Cmpleted January 12, 1987 Cmmencement June 1987

4 APPROVED: ^-Frfess^r f Hrticulture in charge f majr Head a y6> atydepartment f Hrticulture Dean f Graduate Bchl? Date thesis is presented January 12, 1987 Typed by Dale I.M. Riggs

5 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This thesis prject was made pssible with funding frm the Oregn Strawberry Cmmissin. Sincere thanks are extended t Drs. Llyd Martin and Tim Righetti fr their guidance and encuragement. Dr. Righetti als prvided labratry facilities and assistance with statistical analyses. I thank the staff f the Nrth Willamette Experiment Statin fr their help with plt maintenance, and Jim Wernz and Fred Dixn f the OSU Plant Analysis Lab fr their prmpt analysis f my samples. Al Seldner f the OSU Electrn Micrscpe Facility prvided the expertise fr the micrgraphs. Heartfelt thanks t the Hrticulture graduate students and ffice staff fr their friendly advice and supprt, and a very special thanks t Dn Miles fr his technical assistance, editrial cmments, and lve.

6 Nte: This thesis is presented as a series f tw papers written in the frmat required by HrtScience and Cmmunicatins in Sil Science and Plant Analysis.

7 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Chapter 1. Intrductin 1 Chapter 2. Literature Review 3 I. Rle and Availability f Brn 3 II. Brn Requirements fr Strawberries 5 III. Causes f Strawberry Defrmities 8 Chapter 3. The Effect f Sil Applied Brn n Fruit Defrmity and Yield f 'Tristar' and 'Bentn' Strawberries 15 Abstract 15 Intrductin 16 Materials and Methds 18 Results 20 Discussin 21 Literature Cited 28 Chapter 4. The Effect f Brn Applicatin n Brn Partitining in 'Tristar' and 'Bentn' Strawberries 29 Abstract ; 29 Intrductin 30 Materials and Methds 32 Results 34 Discussin 37 Literature Cited 48 Chapter 5. General Discussin and Cnclusins 50 Bibligraphy 52 Appendix 58

8 LIST OF FIGURES Figure Page CHAPTER Mean fruit weight and percentage defrmity f 'Tristar' strawberries in CHAPTER Cncentratin f 'Bentn' plant parts sampled 5 Aug and 14 Apr Cncentratin f 'Tristar' plant parts sampled 5 Aug Ttal brn f 'Bentn' plant parts sampled 27 June, 23 Sept and 14 Apr Ttal brn f 'Tristar' plant parts sampled 27 June and 23 Sept Dry weight f 'Bentn' plant parts sampled 27 June Dry weight f 'Tristar' plant parts sampled 27 June APPENDIX A.l. Healthy achenes frm well frmed fruit (25x) 59 A.2. Pssible puncture wund in achene frm malfrmed fruit (2500x) 59 A.3. Pllinated and nnpl1inated achenes frm trt. 1 (n pllinatin, n Lygus ) (14x) 60 A.4. Pllinated achenes frm trt. 2 ( with pllinatin, n Lygus ) (19x) 60 A.5. Pllinated and nnpl1inated achenes frm trt. 3 ( n pllinatin, with Lygus ) (14x) 61 A.6 Pssible puncture wund in achene frm trt. 4 ( with pllinatin, with Lygus ) (2000x) 61

9 A.7. Nnpllinated achenes frm trt (24x) 62 A.8. Pssible puncture wunds in achene frm trt. 5 ( partially develped receptacle, with Lygus ) (loox) 62 A.9. Dry weight f 'Bentn' plant parts sampled 14 Apr

10 LIST OF TABLES Table Page CHAPTER Effect f brn applicatin n yield, mean fruit weight, and percentage defrmity in 'Tristar' Effect f brn applicatin n yield, mean fruit weight, and percentage defrmity in 'Tristar' Effect f brn applicatin n yield, mean fruit weight, and percentage defrmity in 'Bentn' Effect f brn n number crwns in 'Tristar' and 'Bentn' 1985 and CHAPTER Amunt f brn in 'Bentn' and 'Tristar' fr sampling dates in 1985 and Crrelatin cefficients f 'Tristar' and 'Bentn' leaves in harvest years f 1985 and 1986, respectively. 41 APPENDIX A.l. Brn cncentratin (ppm) f 'Bentn' plant parts A.2. Brn cncentratin (ppm) f 'Tristar' plant parts A.3. Ttal g brn f 'Bentn' plant parts A.4. Ttal g brn f 'Tristar' plant parts A.5. Dry weight (g) f 'Bentn' plant parts A.6. Dry weight (g) f 'Tristar' plant parts

11 THE EFFECT OF SOIL-APPLIED BORON ON FRUIT DEFORMITY, YIELD, AND BORON PARTITIONING IN 'TRISTAR' AND 'BENTON' STRAWBERRIES CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION Oregn is the secnd leading prducer f strawberries in the U.S. In 1985, ttal prductin was 63.5 millin punds with a farm value f $28.5 millin. Over 90% f the Oregn crp is prcessed. The harvest seasn is frm the first f June thrugh the first week f July. Peak prductin is during June. Oregn strawberry prductin cnsists almst exclusively f June-bearing cultivars. Flwer buds differentiate in the fall in respnse t cl temperatures and shrt phtperids, and fruit the fllwing spring (16,59,72). Recently, day-neutral strawberry cultivars have been intrduced (16). Day-neutral strawberries cntinue t flwer and fruit thrughut the seasn until cld temperatures stp grwth in the fall (61). The principal advantage f grwing this type f stawberry wuld be their added fresh market value in the "ff" seasn. A day-neutral cultivar trial was planted at the Nrth Willamette Experiment Statin, Aurra, Oregn in All cultivars had a high percentage f defrmed fruit. Brn deficiency was suspected because the sil test fr brn was lw (.27 ppm). Accrding t current sil standards, the carse, highly leached sils f Western Oregn are ften brn deficient. T investigate the relatinship between brn and fruit defrmity

12 this prject was undertaken with tw basic bjectives: 1) t determine the relatinship between brn applicatin, fruit defrmity, and yield in day-neutral and June-bearing strawberries; and 2) t investigate hw brn is partitined in day-neutral and June-bearing strawberries.

13 CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW I. Rle and Availability f Brn Brn has been knwn t be an essential element fr plant grwth since 1910 (2). Althugh its' rle is nt well understd, brn is invlved in many physilgical functins. Brn has been implicated in nucleic acid metablism, carbhydrate bisynthesis, synthesis f hrmnes, and functin f membranes (37,51,56). Dugger (17) hypthesized that brn regulates enzyme reactins, thereby affecting the metablic functins just cited. Brn is als invlved in pllen germinatin and pllen tube grwth (17,29,37,51,66,71), cell develpment, rate f cell divisin, and water relatins (37,68). Brn uptake in plants is cnsidered a mainly passive prcess (51,65). Khl and Oertli (44) cncluded that brn mvement ccurs in the transpiratin stream and that brn des nt redistribute itself frm leaves because it is nt transprted in the phlem. This cnclusin has been disputed by thers (11,17), but n clear explanatin abut hw phlem mvement ccurs has been ffered. Mst researchers believe brn is quite immbile and is predminantly transprted in the transpiratin stream. Mengel and Kirkby (51) and Tisdale and Nelsn (37) reprt that brn cntent in sils is usually between 20 and 200 ppm, mst f which is unavailable t plants. That fractin which is

14 available t plants is measured by a ht-water extractin technique (26,40). Values btained by this methd vary frm 0.1 ppm (7) t 5.0 ppm (28). Bric acid (H3BO3) is the predminant frm f sluble brn (10,12). Bric acid des nt dissciate in the sil (51), therefre the uncharged frm can easily be leached frm the sil. Fr this reasn, the sils f Western Oregn are ften brn deficient. Many factrs affect the brn supply and availability in a sil. Turmaline is the mst imprtant brn cntaining mineral. It cntains 3-4% brn (51). Hwever, turmaline resists weathering and nly slwly releases brn (68). Clay sils adsrb mre brn than sandy sils, and may reduce leaching lsses, but brn availability in slutin is als lwer (43). Accrding t Tisdale and Nelsn (68) mst f the available brn is held by rganic matter. Mengel and Kirkby (51) agree, and state that this may be the primary reserve fr brn in agricultural sils. Sil ph and misture als have an effect n the availability and uptake f brn. Brn adsrptin increases as ph rises due t the frmatin f the anin (B(0H)^_) which is subsequently adsrbed t clay minerals (51). Gupta (27) fund that barley did nt develp brn txicity symptms at a high ph but did develp txicity symptms at a lw ph. The effect f sil misture is prbably tw-fld; 1) rganic matter des nt decmpse as quickly in dry sil, cnsequently inhibiting brn release, and 2) under dry cnditins, rt grwth and brn delivery are restricted, thereby limiting uptake (68).

15 II. Brn Requirements fr Strawberries Many wrkers have dcumented brn deficiency symptms in strawberries (17,33,39,51,55,62,68). The first sign f deficiency is abnrmal, retarded grwth f apical meristems. Unless the deficiency is alleviated, the terminal grwing pint dies, verall grwth is reduced, flwer and fruit frmatin is inhibited and the rts becme thickened with necrtic tips. Brn has a very narrw range between deficiency and txicity. There is disagreement n the critical slutin cncentratin f brn that is required fr ptimum strawberry grwth. In slutin culture Neilsn and Eatn (52) fund that levels f.01 and.05 ppm brn inhibited flwer number, fruit set, r fruit size. Levels f.25 ppm brn reduced leaf number while 1.25 ppm B did nt seem t affect yield. Their recmmended rate f brn was.25 ppm. They did nt measure leaf tissue cncentratin. Hagland and Snyder (33) reprted that 0.1 ppm B prevented B deficiency symptms under spring cnditins but nt in the summer. Frm this study they cncluded that strawberries need mre than a trace f brn fr adequate grwth. In cntrast, a sand culture study dne by Iwakiri and Sctt (35) failed t btain brn deficiency symptms even when using slutins lacking brn. Plant grwth was reduced when tissue cncentratins were belw 22 ppm brn. Eatn (18) reprted similar results. Using 'Klndike' strawberries in sand culture he failed t bserve any deficiency symptms even with a trace (0.03 ppm) brn slutin. Whle plant

16 brn cncentratin (n the basis f dry weight) was 44 ppm when grwn in the trace slutin. Plants grwn in a 1 ppm slutin had similar dry weights and yield. A sand culture study by Blatt (8) indicated that cultivar differences exist cncerning ptimum leaf brn values and brn slutin cncentratin. 'Redcat' and 'KSS-IOS' achieved maximum grwth at 0.2 and 0.4 ppm B with a crrespnding leaf value f ppm. Deficiency symptms were assciated with leaf B levels f 2-5 ppm fr these tw cultivars. In cmparisn, 'Midway' achieved maximum grwth at 0.0 ppm B and n deficiency symptms were evident until the end f the experiment after nearly 4 mnths. Leaf B values assciated with maximum grwth were ppm. Evidence f cultivar differences is supprted by the wrk f Jhn et.al. (42). Field trials indicated that significant differences in leaf B level existed amng 7 gentypes. Leaf values ranged frm ppm. Brn deficiency has been difficult t dcument in the field. In New Hampshire, n increase in yield r runner plant prductin was btained when brn was added t a sil believed t be brn deficient (47). Cutcliffe and Blatt (15) substantiated this in eastern Canada. On a sil cntaining.20 ppm brn n respnse was btained frm applicatin f 1.1 r 2.2 kg/ha B. Leaf cncentratin levels ranged frm ppm. A study by Bjurman (7) revealed mixed results frm brn applicatin. N yield respnse t brn applicatin was measured in seven f eight sites in the first tw crpping years. At the eigth site a negative

17 effect was btained in all three crpping years. Fur sites indicated a psitive effect in the third year. Leaf brn values varied frm ppm amng sites, while sil values varied frm.10 ppm t 1.0 ppm. Paradxically, the site at which brn applicatin decreased yields in all three years als had the lwest sil brn level f.10 ppm. A study by Blatt (9) had similar results. Using 'Midway' strawberry, he btained n yield respnse t brn applicatin. Hwever, ptimum crp respnse ccurred with a sil B range f ppm and leaf value f ppm. In general these research studies supprt the tentative critical value f 20 ppm B in leaf tissue stated by Jhansn (39). Strawberries are cnsidered t be very sensitive t brn (58). Field and greenhuse studies indicate variatin in applied brn rates which induce brn txicity. These depend n sil texture, rganic matter cntent, cultivar, and criteria fr measuring txicity (i.e. yield reductin vs. leaf margin necrsis) (7,8,9,18,32,47). Since sil factrs are s variable leaf analysis is a cmmn tl fr measuring brn txicity. As Blatt (8) and Jhn et.al. (42) indicated, cultivar differences are still a prblem when interpreting leaf analyses. Critical values fr brn txicity tend t range frm ppm. (7,8,12,32,39,69). Sampling time, tissue sampled, and plant age must be cnsidered when using tissue analysis. In field studies brn values were cnsistently lwer in tw-year-ld plants than neyear-ld plants (9,15,42,48). Jhn et. al. (41) sampled leaves and petiles every tw weeks frm May 9 (flwering) t Octber

18 10th. Leaf brn declined thrughut the seasn but was relatively stable fr six weeks after harvest. Petile brn was nt determined due t a lack f tissue. Fr mst elements, leaf tissue was preferred ver petile since greater cncentratins existed in the leaves. Laurinen and Sak (48) measured brn cntent f 'Sengana' strawberry fruit and fund levels f 18 ppm. This cntrasts with data by Albregts and Hward (3) which indicated strawberry fruit cntained ppm brn. Hwever, they separated the calyx and when that is included the cncentratin f brn is ppm. A later study by Albregts and Hward (4) investigates the accumulatin f nutrients in plant tissues. They indicate that harvested fruit cntained mre brn than the rest f the plant. Excluding harvested fruit, leaves and dead fliage cntained the mst brn while flwers with stalks and unharvested fruit cntained the least. Cncentratin f the tissues was nly given fr the end f the harvest seasn. Results varied between the tw seasns with dead fliage always having the highest cncentratin (28-33 ppm) and unharvested fruit the lwest (13-15 ppm). Rts and crwns, petiles, leaves, and flwers with flwer stalks did nt significantly differ frm each ther in either seasn. Cncentratins varied frm ppm. III. Causes f Strawberry Defrmities The achenes n a strawberry are the true fruit (53). The berry, as cnsumers knw it, is an enlarged receptacle. The

19 achenes prduce auxins which stimulate the receptacle t enlarge (53). Each fertilized achene prduces a small area f grwth, therefre the weight f a mature fruit is dependent n the number f fertilized achenes (1,36,53). Pr fruit set r fruit develpment is a functin f pr pllinatin, fertilizatin, r achene develpment. Any cnditins that affect pllen prductin, transfer, r germinatin will have a negative effect n fruit set. These cnditins include envirnment, insects, and disease, sme f which may als affect achene develpment. All mdern strawberry cultivars are hermaphrditic (23,50). Cmplete pllinatin still may nt ccur due t incmplete transfer f pllen nt the pistils, sterile pllen, r lack f adequate pllen. Valleau (70) believed there were tw types f male sterility. One was the develpment f stamindia, which never prduce pllen, and the ther, abrted pllen grains. He believed the abrted pllen grains were due t a metablic defect in the micrspres. Guttridge et.al. (31) did nt believe these cnclusins fully explained the causes f pllen sterility. They bserved 'Redgauntlet' flwers initiated in May and flwering in August usually have healthy anthers, while flwers initiated in the fall and that blm in May ften have abrted anthers. These bservatins indicated t them that an envirnmental effect was the cause f the abrtin. An earlier study by Guttridge and Andersn (30) suggested envirnmental factrs in additin t cultural factrs as the cause f anther failure in 'Redgauntlet 1. They nted that earlier trusses had prer anthers than later

20 10 nes, which wuld be mre prtected in the winter. They suggested shrt days, lw light, and lw temperatures at the critical stage f anther develpment t be the causes f pr anther quality. Thmpsn (67) cncurred with this, but fund temperature was the majr envirnmental factr affecting pllen frmatin. A study by Krnenberg et. al. (46) indicated that fruit set f 'Jucunda* was pr when temperatures were belw 17 0 C, and that the quality and quantity f pllen prductin was pr. Braak (10) later substantiated the effect f temperature n 'Jucunda' pllen prductin. He cncluded that pr fruit set in 'Jucunda' strawberries was the result f insufficient pllen prductin when temperatures were belw 17 0 C during flwering. It is mst likely that pr pllen prductin and pr pllen quality are a result f bth envirnmental and genetic cnditins. Bth Krnenberg (45) and Hulewicz and Hrtynski (34) fund differences in fruit set amng varieties which were self pllinated. Krnenberg (45) als discvered dramatic differences in anther and pllen quality amng cultivars. Gilbert (25) substantiated this. Primary flwers f 'Bentn' and 'Tyee' cnsistently had many unhealthy anthers which released very little pllen. At least 60% f the fruit frm these cultivars were defrmed. At the same time, 'Olympus' and 'Ttem' had gd pllen prductin and nly 2-30% f the fruit was defrmed. In tw seasns, 'Tyee' had the greatest percentage f defrmed fruit and 'Ttem' the least. Takahashi (63) investigated the effect f high temperature in

21 11 greenhuses n strawberry fruit set. Temperatures abve 40 C increased fruit malfrmatin, by decreasing pllen viability, but when artificial pllinatin was included fruit set was nt seriusly affected by temperature. Strawberry flwers are self-cmpatible, cnsequently nt requiring crss-pllinatin with anther cultivar. Flwers in which plenty f viable pllen is prduced may still be defrmed. This may be frm inadequate transfer f pllen t the stigma. Anthers dehisce under tensin, allwing pllen t be thrwn nt sme, but nt all pistils (50). Allen and Gaede (5) fund caged, undisturbed plants set n fruit; uncaged and disturbed by wind frm a fan set 77%, and brush pllinated plants set 97%. This study indicates that mechanical transfer f pllen t the pistils is necessary fr gd fruit set. In the field this wuld be accmplished with pllinating insects. Many insects visit strawberry flwers but bees are the nly ne f imprtance in transferring pllen (50). Many wrkers have reprted n the imprtance f bees in strawberry pllinatin and fruit set (13,14,22,23,38,45,54). Cnnr and Martin (14) measured stamen height in eleven cultivars and nted it ranged fm 2.5mm t 5.2mm. The cultivars with shrter stamens benefitted frm insect pllinatin mre than cultivars with lnger stamens. Even thugh strawberry fruit set is greatly imprved by bee visitatin, hney bees are nt greatly attracted t strawberries (50). Factrs such as mre attractive crp cmpetitin, cl rainy weather at blm, and insecticide use will decrease bee

22 12 visitatin, adversely affecting fruit set. Pr pllen germinatin has been cnsidered a cause f fruit malfrmatin. Guttridge and Turnbull (29) increased pllen germinatin n agar films with drps f CaCNOOj, HBO, and a mixture f MnSOA and ZnSOA. Applicatin f these slutins als imprved anther dehiscence even thugh there appeared t be plenty f these elements available t the plants. They cncluded that a lcalized deficiency f these elenents at truss emergence was a cause f malfrmed fruit. Hwever, this experiment, when cnducted in the field did nt imprve anther quality nr decrease fruit malfrmatin. Thmpsn and Batjer (66) demnstrated increased pllen germinatin and pllen tube grwth when 2.5 ppm brn was included in the germinatin medium. N field studies were cnducted. Vasil (71) fund pr germinatin f pllen in plants that were deficient in brn. Eatn and Chen (19) bserved pllen germinatin in strawberries was inhibited when captan was sprayed n anthers after dehiscence. Germinatin was nt affected in undehisced anthers until a very high rate f 2000 ppm captan was used. In a further study captan appeared t negatively affect pllen germinatin but did nt interfere with receptivity f the stigma, pllen tube grwth r fertilizatin (20). Takahashi (63) als fund fungicides, specifically DPC, inhibited pllen germinatin. A number f external factrs may cause malfrmed fruit. Frst destrys pistils, causing them t blacken. It can als damage buds and develping berries (45,55). Herbicide injury can ccur.

23 13 'Catskill' strawberry, plants that received an applicatin f 2,4,- D when flwer buds were initiated had severely defrmed fruit (55,24). Gray mld (Btrytis cinerea Pers.) may cause fruit set prblems when present during flwering (49,24). Infectin is thrugh senescent flral parts and then int the receptacle (68). Frd and Wilhelm (21) reprted an imperfect fungus f the Mniliaceae family parasitizes the stigmas f the flwer. Fruit defrmity ccurs because fertilizatin is prevented when the fungus penetrates the stigma. Uncntrlled insect ppulatins can cause serius damage in cmmercial fields. High ppulatins f thrips may cause disclratin, but d nt actually cause defrmed fruit (5). The mst serius insect pest causing fruit defrmity is lygus bug (Lygus spp.). This pest is knwn t cause damage acrss Nrth America and in Eurpe (5,6,55,60,64). There are cnflicting statements n hw lygus bugs cause malfrmed fruit. Parker et. al. (55) state that damage frm the insects feeding n the pistils causes the defrmity. Allen and Gaede (5) fund hllw achenes where lygus bugs fed, cncluding the insects puncture the achenes. Bth hyptheses indicate interference with achene develpment, cnsequently restricting r halting auxin prductin, and halting receptacle enlargement. Schaefers (60) measured yield effects f lygus bug feeding n June-bearing strawberries. Injured fruit ranged frm 31% t 67% f ttal fruit with an 11% t 30% reductin in mean fruit weight,

24 14 respectively. Mre injury ccurred in early, warm seasns. Using the percent reductin in weight, ecnmic lsses were calculated t be $990-$2700/ha. Realistically, the ecnmic lsses wuld be much greater since badly defrmed fruit wuld never have been harvested.

25 15 CHAPTER 3 THE EFFECT OF SOIL APPLIED BORON ON FRUIT DEFORMITY AND YIELD OF 'TRISTAR' AND 'BENTON' STRAWBERRIES KEY WORDS: Day-neutral, Fragaria, Lygus, plant nutritin Dale I.M. Riggs and Llyd W. Martin Department f Hrticulture Oregn State University Crvallis, OR ABSTRACT A field trial was cnducted t determine if B deficient sils cntribute t lw yield and fruit malfrmatin in strawberries. B rates f 0, 1.1, 2.2, and 4.5 kg/ha were applied t a sil testing.27 ppm B, befre planting 'Tristar' and 'Bentn' strawberries. Aug sil tests indicated sil B levels f.34,.53,.85, and 1.13 ppm B, respectively. B applicatin had n effect n yield r defrmity the first harvest year, and decreased yield f 'Tristar' the secnd harvest year. High ppulatins f Lygus bug (Lygus hesperus) were believed t cause fruit malfrmatin in B fertilizer guides fr strawberries may need t be revised.

26 16 INTRODUCTION Malfrmed strawberry fruit lead t lw yield and decreased strawberry returns in Western Oregn. Observatins at the Nrth Willamette Experiment Statin in Aurra, OR indicated severely malfrmed strawberry fruit were mre apparent n day-neutral cultivars than june-bearing cultivars in Carse, highly leached sils, such as thse fund in Western Oregn, are ften B deficient (9). Using current sil standards, 38% f Western Oregn agricultural sils in 1984 were belw the critical value f.50 ppm B (J. Hart, Persnal Cmm.). This has led t speculatin that strawberry defrmities apparent in the Willamette Valley are assciated with B deficiency. Current Oregn State University fertilizer recmmendatins suggest the use f sil applied B fr strawberries grwn n lw B sils. B deficiency has been difficult t dcument in the field (1,2,3,5). Yield increases have nt ccurred in the first tw years fllwing B applicatin (2,3). Bjurman (1) btained a yield increase frm B applicatin, but this was nt until the third crpping year, and nly at fur f eight lcatins. Induced deficiencies in greenhuse experiments prduce fruit defrmities and B is invlved in pllen germinatin and pllen tube grwth (4,8,10). Hwever, relatinships between B deficiency and fruit defrmity under field cnditins have nt been dcumented. This study was initiated t determine the effect f silapplied B n fruit defrmity and yield f day-neutral and

27 June-bearing cultivars, when grwn n a lw B sil. 17

28 18 MATERIALS AND METHODS The plts fr this study were lcated n a Quatama lam which was fumigated with methyl brmide and chlrpicrin. Sil samples taken in Feb had ht-water extractable B levels f.27 ppm. Applicatin rates were 0, 1.1, 2.2, and 4.5 kg/ha actual B. B was applied 5 Apr by disslving Slubr (20.5% B) in 3.8 liters f water and sprinkling it in a 61 cm wide strip in the rw. It was immediately incrprated using a rttiller. At the same time, 56 kg N, 112 kg P and K, and 28 kg S/ha were incrprated. Drmant 'Tristar' and 'Bentn' strawberry plants were planted 9 Apr Plts cnsisted f 32 plants, 30 cm apart within the rw and rws 102 cm apart. Ten cnsecutive plants in the middle f the plt were chsen fr yield data. The tw cvs. and fur treatments were arranged in a randmized cmplete blck with fur replicatins. Plants were deblssmed and runners cut ff nce a week until 13 June. Runners were cut ff nce a mnth after that until late Sept. Plts were irrigated nce a week using verhead sprinklers. N insecticides r fungicides were applied in Pesticide applicatins in 1986 cnsisted f Rnilan, Captan, and Benlate fungicides; Thidan, Keltane, Plictran, and Diazinn insecticides; and Tenran herbicide. Gray mld and mites were the mst cmmn pest prblems. In 1985, berries frm the day-neutral cv. Tristar were harvested every 5-7 days frm 9 July t 8 Oct., fr a ttal f furteen harvests. Fresh weight, number f berries, and mean

29 19 berry weight were determined. Additinally, a defrmity rating was determined fr each berry harvested. This was based n an apprximatin f the percentage defrmed area f the berry. The defrmity ratings were 0,1,3,5,10,20,30,40,and 50+%. In 1986, berries were harvested every 3-5 days frm bth 'Tristar' and 'Bentn 1. Harvest began 9 June and ended 27 June. Fresh weight, number f berries, and mean berry weight were determined. Samples f 25 berries/plt were rated fr percentage defrmity. Crwns were cunted n 27 June 1985 fr bth cvs. In 1986, crwn cunts f 'Tristar' were recrded 3 Apr. Crwn cunts f 'Bentn' were made n 8 July.

30 20 RESULTS B applicatin had n effect n yield, mean berry weight, r percentage defrmity in 'Tristar' during 1985 (Table 3.1). A decrease in yield with B applicatin was highly significant (1.0% level) in Mean berry weight and percentage defrmity were nt affected by treatment (Table 3.2). There was n treatment effect n any parameter in 'Bentn' during 1986 (Table 3.3). As with 'Tristar' in 1985, a negative trend in yield is apparent with the 4.5 kg/ha applicatin. Crwn prductin was nt affected by treatment in either year fr either cultivar (Table 3.4).

31 21 DISCUSSION These results substantiate findings by ther researchers (1,2,3,5). Strawberries are cnsidered t be very sensitive t B (7), and it is likely that they are mre sensitive than previusly believed. Their B requirement appears t be s lw that it can be supplied by the rganic matter in the sil (51,68). It is believed that B txicity was respnsible fr the yield decline in 'Tristar' during Althugh n txicity symptms were apparent in 1985, a decrease in dry matter prductin due t B applicatin ccurred (Riggs, unpublished data). Presumably, this decline in vigr caused a decline in inflrescence initiatin and develpment, leading t a decline in yield. The results with 'Bentn' are similar. Althugh n significant differences existed with B applicatin, a negative trend was evident. Dry matter prductin in 1985 als decreased with B applicatin (Riggs, unpublished data). Again, n txicity symptms were evident, but vigr was affected enugh t result in a yield decline. B treatment had n effect n fruit defrmity r mean berry weight at any time in either cultivar. Txicity had n adverse effect n fruit set, and n deficiency existed. Hwever, defrmity percentages varied dramatically ver the seasn (Fig. 3.1). Mean defrmity percentages increased rapidly frm 9% t 26% during July and August, declining t acceptable levels again in late Sept. and Oct. N pattern was evident fr either cultivar thrugh June Ppulatins f lygus bugs (Lygus hesperus)

32 22 were evident in It is believed that feeding damage n the achenes, caused by this insect, was respnsible fr a large majrity f the defrmity bserved. Current Oregn State University fertilizer guides fr strawberries recmmend B applicatin fr lw B sils. Applicatin rates shuld nt exceed a maximum rate f 2.2 kg/ha/year until a sil level f 1.0 ppm B is btained. This recmmendatin shuld be revised. A sil B level f.27 ppm, even n a carse, leached sil appears t be adequate fr 'Bentn' and 'Tristar' strawberries. Other cvs. shuld be tested n lw B sils. B txicity must be mnitred carefully. Even thugh n txicity symptms nr fruit defrmity is evident, plant vigr may be affected, leading t a decline in yield.

33 23 Table 3.1 Effect f brn applicatin n yield, mean fruit weight, and percentage defrmity in 'Tristar' B Treatment Yield Mean fruit wt. (Kg/Ha) (T/A) (G) Defrmity percentage NS NS NS z Mean Value f Percentage Defrmed Area n each Berry. NS - Nnsignificant.

34 24 Table 3.2 Effect f brn applicatin n yield, mean fruit weight, and percentage defrmity in 'Tristar' B Treatment Yield Me an fruit wt (Kg/Ha) (T/A) (G) Defrmity percentage a b b b ** NS NS z Mean Value f Percentage Defrmed Area n each Berry. LSD.01 = 1-31 T/A - NS,'** - Nnsignificant (NS) r significant at 1% (**) level.

35 25 Table 3.3 Effect f brn applicatin n yield, mean fruit weight, and percentage defrmity in 'Bentn' B Treatment Yield Mean fruit wt (Kg/Ha) (T/A) (G) Defrmity percentage NS NS NS z Mean Value f Percentage Defrmed Area n each Berry. NS - Nnsignificant.

36 26 Table 3.4 Effect f brn n number f crwns in 'Tristar' and 'Bentn' and B Trt. (Kg/Ha) 'Tristar' 'Bentn' 85 Crwns 86 Crwns Diff. 85 Crwns 86 Crwns Diff NS NS NS NS NS NS NS - Nnsignificant.

37 MEAN BERRY WEIGHT 1985 % DEFORMITY h26 UJ 10- > c 8 c UJ CD z UJ 6 >- h22 t 2 DC h18 hi 4-10 t Q a* 4-7/15 T 7/30 T 8/15 8/30 I 9/15 10/1-6 Fig. 3.1 Mean Berry Weight and % Defrmity f 'Tristar' Strawberries in ^1

38 28 LITERATURE CITED 1. Bjurman, B Fertilizer experiments with nitrgen and brn in strawberries. Swed. J. Agric. Res. 4: Blatt, C.R Effects f tw brn surces each applied at three rates t the strawberry cv. Midway n sil and leaf brn levels and fruit yield. Cmmun. in Sil Sci. Plant Anal. 13(1): Cutcliffe, J.A. and C.R. Blatt Effects f N, P, K, B and lime n strawberry yields. Can. J. Plant Sci. 64: Guttridge, C.G. and J.M. Turnbull Imprving anther dehiscence and pllen germinatin in strawberry with bric acid and salts f divalent catins. Hrt. Res. 14: Latimer, L.P The respnse f strawberries t brn. Am. Sc. Hrtic. Sci. 42: Mengel, K. and E.A. Kirkby Principles f Plant Nutritin. 3rd ed. Internatinal Ptash Institute. Switzerland, p Purvis, E.R. and W.J. Hanna Brn studies: I. The susceptibility f varius plants t brn txicity as influenced by sil type. Sil Science Sciety Prc p Thmpsn, A.H. and L.P. Batjer The effect f brn in the germinating medium n pllen germinatin and pllen tube grwth fr several deciduus tree fruits. Prc. ASHS 56: Valleau, W.D Sterility in the strawberry. J. Ag. Res. Vl. XII, N Vasil, I.K Effect f brn n pllen germinatin and pllen tube grwth. In: Pllen Physilgy and Fertilizatin (ed. H.F. Linskins), pp Amsterdam: Nrth Hlland Publishing C.

39 29 CHAPTER 4 THE EFFECT OF BORON APPLICATION ON BORON PARTITIONING IN 'TRISTAR 1 AND 'BENTON' STRAWBERRIES KEY WORDS: Day-neutral, Fragaria, plant nutritin, tissue analysis Dale I.M. Riggs, Timthy L. Righetti, and Llyd W. Martin Department f Hrticulture Oregn State University Crvallis, OR ABSTRACT Leaf tissue analysis is the standard tl fr diagnsing B deficiency in strawberries. Cmpsite samples f 'Bentn 1 and 'Tristar', grwn under sil applied B fertilizer rates f 0, 1.1, 2.2, and 4.5 kg/ha B were taken during June, August, and September in 'Bentn' plants were resampled in April Tissue cncentratin and dry weight were determined fr up t ten plant parts. Cncentratins decreased ver time. B applicatin increased leaf cncentratin and decreased dry weight f leaves. B cncentratins in all plant parts were signficantly crrelated t leaf cncentratins, even thugh ttal B uptake f nnleaf tissues did nt differ between treatments. At least 85% f the additinal B in a plant resulting frm sil applicatin f B was fund in the leaves. Leaf tissue analysis did nt accurately indicate brn status f ther plant parts and tissue cncentratins can be misleading if ttal B cntents are nt evaluated.

40 30 INTRODUCTION B has been knwn t be an essential element since 1910 (1), and is invlved in pllen germinatin and pllen tube grwth (6,7,18,20). Brn deficient strawberries will ften have malfrmed fruit (9,10,15,16), presumably due t an adverse effect n pllen frmatin, germinatin, r pllen tube grwth (20). Sil tests suggest B deficiency is a cmmn prblem in the highly leached sils f Western Oregn. In 1984, 38% f the sils in Western Oregn were belw the critical level f.50 ppm (J. Hart, Persnal Cmmunicatin) fr ht water extractable B. Brn deficiency may be a cntributing factr t strawberry fruit malfrmatin in this regin. Tissue analysis f strawberries is currently perfrmed n leaves r petiles. Leaf B values fluctuate widely, depending n time f sampling, age f plant, and cultivar (3,4,5,11,12). Even with standardized sampling, cnflicting reprts indicate nrmal grwth ccurs when leaf B is anywhere frm ppm (2,3,4,5,12), while critical values fr txicity range frm ppm (2,3,8,10,20). Uptake f B is a mainly passive prcess (14,17). Khl and Oertli (13) cncluded that B mvement ccurs in the transpiratin stream, therefre B is nt redistributed frm leaves t ther plant parts because it is nt transprted in the phlem. This suggests that the leaf is the dminant tissue fr B accumulatin.

41 31 The practice f using leaf tissue analysis t diagnse B deficiency that is exhibited in reprductive tissue shuld be investigated mre thrughly. It is pssible that the B status f reprductive tissues is nt related t leaf B levels. If this is true, leaf analyses may be f little value in determining B needs f reprductive tissue. Furthermre, sil applicatins f B may nt be the best means f delivering B t target tissues. The partitining f sil supplied B is an imprtant issue. Mineral cncentratins in diagnstic tissues are used t make recmmendatins and interpret experimental results. Unfrtunately, changes in nutrient cncentratins d nt necessarily crrespnd t altered ttal amunts f a nutrient within a tissue, nr can they be interpreted as changes in the uptake f nutrients frm the sil. Withut dry matter accumulatin data, ttal uptake and translcatin cannt be evaluated. This study was initiated with three bjectives: 1) Determine if ttal uptake and B partitining amng plant parts is mre infrmative than a leaf r petile cncentratin, 2) Determine if sil applied B is an adequate methd t supply B t reprductive tissues, and 3) Examine B partitining in a Day-neutral and in a June-bearing cultivar.

42 32 MATERIALS AND METHODS Plts fr this study were lcated at the Nrth Willamette Experiment Statin in Aurra, OR. The sil series was a Quatama lam, which was fumigated with methyl brmide and chlrpicrin. Sil test levels f.27 ppm B indicated a severe B deficiency. Brn was applied 5 Apr by disslving Slubr (20.5% B) in 3.8 liters f water and sprinkling it in a 61 cm wide strip in the rw befre planting. Applicatin rates were 0, 1.1, 2.2, and 4.5 kg/ha actual B. Additinally, 56 kg N, 112 kg P and K, and 28 kg S/ha were applied. All fertilizer was immediately incrprated using a rttiller. Drmant 'Tristar' (Day-neutral) and 'Bentn' (June-bearing) strawberry plants were planted 9 Apr Each plt cntained 32 plants, 30 cm apart within the rws, with 102 cm between rws. Twenty-tw plants in each plt were available fr sampling. The ther ten were used fr yield data nt reprted in this paper. The tw cultivars and fur treatments were arranged in a randmized cmplete blck design with fur replicatins. Plants were deblssmed and runners remved nce a week until 13 June, and runners were remved nce a mnth thereafter until late Sep. Plts were irrigated nce a week using verhead sprinklers. N pesticides were applied in Pesticides applied in 1986 cnsisted f Tenran fr weed cntrl; Rnilan, Captan, and Benlate fungicides t cntrl gray mld; and Thidan, Kelthane, Plictran, and Diazinn insecticides t cntrl spittlebug and mites.

43 33 Cmpsite samples f three plants/plt were taken 27 June, 5 Aug., and 23 Sept fr bth cvs. 'Bentn' was als sampled 14 Apr Plants were divided int rts and crwns (Rts), petiles (Pet), leaf blades (Lvs.), runner plants (Run), flwer stalks (FS), flwers and flwer buds (FB), immature fruit (IF), and primary, secndary, and tertiary mature fruit (l 0,2 0,3 0 Fr). The plant parts were washed, dried at 70 C and grund thrugh a 20 mesh screen. One half gram tissue was ashed at 500 C and diluted with locc 5% HNO-j. Samples were analyzed fr B using an ICAP spectrmeter. Analysis f variance was determined using a split-plt mdel with brn treatments as main plts and plant parts as sub-plts. Brn cncentratin (ppm), ttal itg B, and dry weight f each plant part was measured. Crrelatin cefficients were calculated fr all pssible cmparisns.

44 34 RESULTS Tissues frm the June, 1985 sampling cntained the highest ppm B. Depending n which tissue, levels varied between ppm in 'Bentn' and ppm in 'Tristar'. Cncentratins decreased with time. Significant differences due t treatment were evident in leaf tissue at all three sampling dates in 1985 fr 'Bentn 1, but n treatment effect existed in 1986 (Fig. 4.1). 'Tristar' als exhibited treatment differences in leaf tissue fr the June and Aug. samplings (Fig.4.2). Althugh all tissues generally had higher cncentratins fr B treatments, the nly significant differences due t B applicatin existed in leaf tissue. These ccurred with the 4.5 kg rate at all 1985 sampling dates fr 'Bentn'. 'Tristar' had signficant differences with the 4.5 kg rate in June and the 2.2 and 4.5 kg rates in August. At n time was leaf tissue in a deficiency r txicity range (2,4,8,10,20). 'Bentn' leaves cntained the greatest amunt f ttal B (64%-84%) f all plant parts at each date in 1985, but the percentage f ttal B in the leaves diminished with time (Table 4.1). By 1986, ttal M.g B was nearly equivalent in the leaves and rts (Fig. 4.3), with leaves cntaining nly 40% f ttal B (Table 4.1). Brn applicatin increased ttal B at each sampling date in Treatment differences were evident in leaf tissue early in the seasn, but diminished ver time. There was n effect in Treatment differences were nt present fr nnleaf tissues at all samplings (Fig. 4.3).

45 35 The leaves f 'Tristar', at the June and Aug. samplings, cntained mre B with B applicatin, but the differences disappeared by Sept (Fig 4.4). Unlike 'Bentn', ttal B in 'Tristar' declined in B treated plts between Aug. and Sept. samplings (Table 1). This was largely due t a decrease in ttal B in leaf tissue. N treatment differences existed amng nnleaf tissues at any time (Fig. 4.4). The percentage f ttal B cntained in leaf tissues was generally similar t 'Bentn'. Dry weight f leaves f bth cultivars was negatively affected by B applicatin in the June sample (Figs. 4.5,4.6). There was n effect frm B applicatin fr reprductive tissues during the June sampling, althugh a negative trend existed fr rts and petiles. N treatment effect was present in the Aug. r Sept., 1985 samples, r in 1986 (data nt shwn). Rts, petiles, and leaves exhibited a negative trend frm B applicatin in Aug. and Sept. fr 'Tristar' and nly in Aug. fr 'Bentn'. Rt dry weight was greater than any ther tissue in N trend was bserved in reprductive tissues at any time. Ttal dry weight f bth cvs. always increased ver time. Dry weight partitining changed even less than B partitining. 'Bentn' leaves were 55-58% f the ttal plant dry weight in the June sampling, decreasing slightly thrugh 1985 t 46-48% f dry weight in Sept. In 1986, leaves were 27-29% f the ttal dry weight and rts were 37-41%. 'Tristar' leaves were similar t 'Bentn' in June, cntaining 53-56% f the dry weight. They did decrease mre ver the seasn, as they were 36-38% f the

46 36 dry weight in Sept. N treatment effect existed at any time with regard t the percentage f dry matter partitined t different tissues in either cultivar. Crrelatin cefficients indicated all plant parts f 'Tristar' were significantly crrelated t leaf cncentratin in the June and August sampling (Table 4.2). The same was true fr 'Bentn' in 1986.

47 37 DISCUSSION It is clear that B mvement ccurs mainly in the transpiratin stream. In 1985 leaf tissue accunted fr 45-58% f the dry weight f 'Bentn' but cntained 69-84% f the ttal B. Of the net increase in B frm B applicatin, in mst cases at least 85% f the additinal B is fund in the leaves. Data frm 1986 is nt as clear. Hwever, sampling in 1986 leaves ccurred at a time when few new leaves had emerged, while at the same time rt grwth had been cntinuing fr mst f the winter. Cl spring temperatures may have decreased the rate f transpiratin resulting in less B mvement t the leaves. 'Tristar' fllwed the same pattern f B accumulatin as 'Bentn' in 1985 until Sept., when B applicatin apparently had a deleterius effect n plant grwth, and n net increase in B was detected. Brn accumulatin increased thrughut the 1985 seasn. 'Bentn' had a tw t three fld increase between June and Sept., depending n brn treatment (Table 4.1). 'Tristar' had a 19-53% increase between June and Aug., but then up t a 34% decline in B cntent between Aug. and Sept. Leaf fall due t B txicity prbably accunts fr the decline in B cntent. Treatment effect diminished ver time in 'Bentn' until all treatments were essentially the same in This may be explained tw ways: 1) Leaf grwth declines as the seasn prgresses, resulting in less B mvement t the leaves, and 2) The majrity f the applied B in the sil is leached ut f the rting zne during the rainy winter mnths. The slight increase ver the cntrl may in large

48 38 part be due t residual B in the rts (Fig.4.3). The small amunt f B in reprductive tissues and fruit at all samplings, and the lack f any treatment effect in these tissues, indicate that a sil applicatin f B is nt effective in increasing B levels in reprductive tissues. Crrelatin cefficients (Table 4.2) must be interpreted cautiusly. Althugh a relatinship exists between B cncentratin in leaves and B cncentratin in ther tissues, there may nt be similar uptake by ther plant parts. The increase in B cncentratin in nnleaf tissue (Figs. 4.1,4.2) may be attributed t the decrease in dry weight (Figs. 4.5, 4.6), rather than t any change in ttal B accumulatin in the tissues (Figs. 4.3,4.4). Despite a strng crrelatin between leaf cncentratin, and that in ther tissues, it appears that B status f leaves is independent f ther plant parts. A great percentage f the sil applied B was translcated directly t the leaves withut affecting ther tissues. One can then cnclude that leaf analysis fr B is f little value in identifying deficiency r txicity levels in reprductive tissues. Sil guidelines r sil test prcedures fr B levels may need revisin. The sil level f.27 ppm in this study is cnsidered highly deficient, yet n deficiency levels in plant tissue were measured. Additinally, B applicatin caused a decrease in dry weight (Figs 4.5,4.6), and had a negative effect n yield (unpublished data). Strawberries may have a lwer B requirement and tlerate lw B sils better than is cmmnly believed.

49 39 In an area where a true deficiency has been identified, a B applicatin t the emerging buds shuld be investigated. This may deliver enugh B t the reprductive tissues at a critical time. In areas where sil guidelines reflect a deficiency, annual applicatins f B will be necessary as winter leaching appears t mve mst f the applied B belw the rting zne.

50 40 T3 c u u c t-. a) 3 t CO 1-1 u u <u x> 3 CO U u CD JJ CO H >J vo H 00 ON t l T) r -a CO c CO _ r. m 00 u ON c H <1> ca c H r: CO H <D U ^^ CO?P Q 3 00 C c w p-( u D. g > CO CO H-l O c u C en 3 u O C CO -I D. -a ^H 0) N <! H i-l a H 4J a VJ <; 0) H U-l C en 'i-l <u > CO <U in ON en CM <f ^O r- <ir~. p r-~ rn <t O -* 00 O O O Or^Ocn r-o vvr^r^ cnm^in as w vo f^ ON CM 0O CM 00 O) <) '-t i ~das in m 00 ON -H r- c O VO *^ -H H en r-i CO en r~ r~ r~ ON ON (50 3 CO ja x> 1 t> c PQ CO PC 00 CL <U s >-> CO CO W X) g 0) CO CO XI <N r- O 1^ i m CO <r in <: 4 ON cs 00 CO ON CM vo 00 r~ CM CM w ( I CO CM m r- ^H CM CM CM r-h HJ ^^ ^ "* CM ^H i t "* CM < H F-M r i»-h ij < 00 vo vo cs ON CO in CM <t ~-i CO H m <! ^H r- in vo vo <» ON CO c c O CO in r~. -* CO <3- ON -H CM O ON H ^H ^H ^^ CM CM CM CM CM CM CM CM»-H \ ON CM m vo vo r^- r~ <} ON r~- m r~ %3- v r-~ r-~ m -J' < m \0 NO f^ r*» c \0 r*^ v vo r^ ON ON ON c c c <r ct CM m >t 00 CM O <f m ON O- ^H 00 r-h CM r-h u 00 O -4 t-h ON 1 CO -d- O ON m ON 00 r~ 0= CO < <t <r r- CO CM ^H in <r m m m H»-H --H F-H ^H,_i f-h H i-h O CO XS XI CO CO CO CO CO CO J3 m in CM -H r~ CM r-4 O * * vr vo vo CM <f < CO i-» O 00 O O vo CM 0O CM m <t 00 u 00 CM <! CM in NO ^^ CM CO m * in ON O J ^H "^ CM *-H *H CM CO CM CM CM CO» i * i * J < r^ O vo O ON *-H m <r ON OO in NO <T m H -H 00 ^-4 O ON P^. c t 1 I-. CM -d- CM in O CM vo 00 r-. CM <! ON c vo 00 in CO vo vo NO H ~~l ^H t CM CM CM CM -* CO CO CO m CM CM CM CM -H CM in O r-t CM < c 3 -H CM m O > 1 CM <J < O -H CM in O < <N >* I-l 01 e a. 1-1 a. < i i CM m O -H CM ~3- in <\ CL c ai u 0) c CO H 14-1 H c c 0) CO I-l <u u 4-1 <u e CO en <U xi <u s 14-1 c B 3 i i 0) s CO in 0) C H CO 0) 3.-* CO >

51 41 TABLE 4.2. Crrelatin cefficients between B cncentratin f 'Tristar' and 'Bentn' Leaves and ther plant parts in harvest years f 1985 and 1986, respectively. Sampling Date Plant Parts 'Tristar' 'Bentn' June Aug. Sept. April Rts.933***.852*** ** Petiles.960***.922*** *** FS.886***.538* *** FB.863***.626* * IF.800***.453 1,881*** ** ***.344 Run.831***.550* Values fllwed by an asterisk indicate statistical significance at 0.1% (***), 1.0% (**), r 5.0% (*) levels.

52 CD UL 00 <" c 42 O < < < < X X x x ^ v. ^ >^ > * * c ^ ^ ^ ^ O CM in d cvi ^ 83 H Qm 1UMUUUU w%m en Wv^VMl msmm mm?. > 4> 0. ) 3C 00 < Q. ^ < ^ C3 C LxJ CD ftwav.w.w.v.y ^ 3»IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIHI!IIIIIM pillllllhlllllllllllllli yy//yyy///////y L IIIIUIIIIIIH1III1I1II j^2^ (0 > 0} a> a. I- CD < O C +J C <u c u ^^? <0 g aidd O CVi

53 un < < < < X X X X ^ >s >^ ^v > > > > x: *: *: x. CJ m d cvi 't n K M n y/////////\ LL. < a en en < I- c <r h- _» (O c C8 C3 V-"'#"'" &'i\ 'j)iisjtvtf$gv s tf1i'iiiiiiiiiiififtitiiiiti(. ^/jmrnrnm 4> O 0) _l 4H O C C8 h 4-> c ^ <u 0. c u tf) (M ^ c 00 CO g aidd "T"

54 4000 -i D 0.0 Kg/HA H II Kg/HA Kg/HA Kg/HA BENTON CQ 5» I I 1 abcl f ^ : = Pi II r rmm Rts Pet. Leaves Repr. Rts Pet. Leaves RUN Rts Pet. Leaves FS FB Tiss. JUNE SEPTEMBER APRIL Fig Ttal brn f 'Bentn' plant parts sampled 27 June, 23 Sept and 14 Apr

55 TRISTAR I 500 CQ» I00OH b i 1 P Mi I Rts Pet. Leaves Repr. Tiss. JUNE 3?S Pi Sis pi i i D 0.0 Kg/HA S I.I Kg/HA Kg/HA M 4.5 Kg/HA ill I Rts Pet. Leaves RUN Repr. Mat. FR Tiss. SEPTEMBER Fig. 4.4 Ttal brn f 'Tristar' plant parts sampled 27 June and 23 Sept i.

56 46 UJ L CD < < < < X X X x ^ \ v. v. 0> D> 0> O* ^ it ^ ^ O CVJ Ifi d c\i ^ n ^ i W////////S////////////A ^ t7y?7^?i'jjv*xw7il7i'iw^^y! 1 m vmmwm LO en ' _ 0 u. c ^ r~ <N CD Li- i i 5 c/i t -p U 3. en u_ +-> w 1 t 3. en C <u > *J c 0) 0 _l (A <U O 4-i O -P M H <U <U 0. rf >, S-i Q <n cc LO rr r r CVJ (6) m6!3m XJQ

57 30-1 TRISTAR a> 20H JE 0) Q I OH 0 11 li 11 SI 0.0 Kg/HA S I.I Kg/HA H 2.2 Kg/HA g 4.5 Kg/HA I» JCTTrca nsfa fk^^bi Rts Petiles Leaves FS FB IF Fig. 4.6 Dry weight f 'Tristar' plant parts sampled 27 June *

58 48 LITERATURE CITED 1. Aghuln, H Empli du bre cmme engrais catalytique (The use f brn as catalytic fertilizer). Cmpt. Rend Acad. Sci. (Paris) 150: Bjurman, B Fertilizer experiments with nitrgen and brn in strawberries. Swed. J. Agric. Res. 4: Blatt, C.R Phsphrus and brn interactin n grwth f strawberries. HrtSci 11(6): Blatt, C.R Effects f tw brn surces each applied at three rates t the strawberry cv. Midway n sil and leaf brn levels and fruit yield. Cmmun. in Sil Sci. Plant Anal. 13(l): Cutcliffe, J.A. and C.R. Blatt Effects f N, P, K, B and lime n strawberry yields. Can. J. Plant Sci. 64: Dugger, W.M Brn in plant metablism. In: Inrganic Plant Nutritin. A. Lauchli and R.L. Breleski (eds). (Encyclpedia f Plant Physilgy, New Series, Vl. 15B). Springer-Verlag, New Yrk. 7. Guttridge, C.G. and J.M. Turnbull Imprving anther dehiscence and pllen germinatin in strawberry with bric acid and salts f divalent catins. Hrt. Res. 14: Haydn, G.F Brn txicity f strawberry. Cmmun. in Sil Sci. Plant Anal. 12(11): Hagland, D.R. and W.C. Snyder Nutritin f strawberry plant under cntrlled cnditins: (a) Effects f deficiencies f brn and certain ther elements: (b) Susceptibility t injury frm sdium salts. Prc. ASHS 30: Jhansn, F Hunger in strawberries. Frank Jhansn Farm Cnsultant. Nv Jhn, M.K., H.A. Daubeny and F.D. McElry Influence f sampling time n elemental cmpsitin f strawberry leaves and petiles. J. ASHS 100(5):

59 Jhn, M.K., H.A. Daubeny, F.D. McElry and M. Garland Gentypic influence n elemental cmpsitin f strawberry tissues. J. ASHS 101(4): Khl, H.C. and J.J. Oertli Distributin f brn in leaves. Plant Physil. 36: Mengel, K. and E.A. Kirkby Principles f Plant Nutritin. 3rd ed. Internatinal Ptash Institute. Switzerland, p Parker, B.L., B.R. Byce and R.P. Marini Strawberry defrmities. University f Vermnt Ag. Expt. Stn. Bull Jan Strawberry Nutrient Deficiency Symptms. Ext. Bull Nv Cp. Ext. Ser. Cllege f Ag. Washingtn State University, Pullman, WA. 17. Tanaka, H Brn absrptin by excised sunflwer rt. Sil Sci. Plant Nutr. 13: Thmpsn, A.H. and L.P. Batjer The effect f brn in the germinating medium n pllen germinatin and pllen tube grwth fr several deciduus tree fruits. Prc. ASHS 56: Ulrich, A., M.A.E. Mstafa and W.W. Allen Strawberry deficiency symptms: A visual and plant analysis guide t fertilizatin. Divisin f Agricultural Sciences, University f Califrnia. Publ. N Vasil, I.K Effect f brn n pllen germinatin and pllen tube grwth. In: Pllen Physilgy and Fertilizatin (ed. H.F. Linskins), pp Amsterdam: Nrth Hlland Publishing C.

60 50 CHAPTER 5 GENERAL DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Many f the strawberry grwing regins in Western Oregn have B-deficient sils. Preplant sil applicatins f B fertilizer have been a standard practice fr sils testing lw in B. This study was initiated t determine the effectiveness f sil applied B t alleviate fruit defrmity believed t be caused by B deficiency. This study has indicated that preplant sil applicatin f B did nt affect fruit defrmity in either june-bearing r day-neutral cultivars. Patterns f defrmity in 1985, when cmbined with high ppulatins f Lygus hesperus, indicated the fruit defrmity may have been caused by this insect feeding n achenes. B applicatin did nt have an effect n crwn prductin in either cultivar. This is interesting when ne cnsiders that B applicatin had a negative effect n yield the secnd harvest year. One may presume that the yield decline is frm a B txicity causing a general decline in vigr f the plant and depressing effect n flral initiatin. Measurement f B in each plant part has added further insight int the prblem. Tissue analysis indicated a higher cncentratin f B in the leaves with increased B applicatin. Assciated with the increased leaf cncentratin was a decline in the leaf dry weight. Ttal B was unchanged between treatments. Crrelatin cefficients indicated a strng crrelatin between leaf B cncentratin and B cncentratin in ther plant

61 51 parts. In actuality, when ttal B uptake was cnsidered, nn-leaf tissues had large differences in uptake in cmparisn with leaf tissue. B applicatin had n effect n ttal uptake. In additin, mre than 85% f the sil applied B was fund in the leaves. These findings lead t multiple cnclusins. 1) Current B fertilizer recmmendatins shuld be revised. Strawberries appear t btain necessary amunts f B frm sils testing lw in B, and even small additins f B can have a negative effect n yields. 2) Sil-applied B des nt deliver B t reprductive tissues where deficiencies can cause fruit defrmity. An investigatin shuld be cnducted using B applicatin n emerging flwer buds. 3) Fruit malfrmatin, as dcumented in 1985, was nt frm a B deficiency but mst likely frm Lygus hesperus feeding damage. Prspective grwers f day-neutral strawberries in the Willamette Valley shuld be prepared t cntrl this pest.

62 52 BIBLIOGRAPHY 1. Abbtt, A.J., G.R. Best and R.A. Webb The relatin f achene number t berry weight in strawberry fruit. J. Hrt. Sci. 45: Aghuln, H Empli du bre cmme engrais catalytique (The use f brn as catalytic fertilizer). Cmpt. Rend Acad. Sci. (Paris) 150: Albregts, E.E. and CM. Hward Elemental cmpsitin f fresh strawberry fruit. J. ASHS 103(3): Albregts, E.E. and CM. Hward Accumulatin f nutrients by strawberry plants and fruit grwn in annual hill culture. J. ASHS 105(3): Allen, W.W. and S.E. Gaede The relatinship f Lygus bugs and thrips t fruit defrmity in strawberries. J. Ecnmic Ent. 56(6) : Berry Prductin Guide Ministry f Agriculture and Fd. Prvince f British Clumbia. Victria, B.C. 7. Bjurman, B Fertilizer experiments with nitrgen and brn in strawberries. Swed. J. Agric. Res. 4: Blatt, C.R Phsphrus and brn interactin n grwth f strawberries. HrtSci 11(6): Blatt, C.R Effects f tw brn surces each applied at three rates t the strawberry cv. Midway n sil and leaf brn levels and fruit yield. Cmmun. in Sil Sci. Plant Anal. 13(l): Braak, J.P Sme causes f pr fruit set in 'Jucunda 1 strawberries. Euphytica 17(1968) : Campbell, L.C, M.H. Miller and J.F. Lneragan Translcatin f brn t plant fruits. Aust. J. Plant Physil. 2: Childers, N.F Mdern Fruit Science. 8th Ed. Hrticultural Publicatins. Rutgers University. The State University, New Brunswick, NJ.

63 Cllisn, C.H Pllinatin in small fruits. In Hrticultural News, New Jersey State Hrticultural Sciety. V. 60(2), Spring 1979, p Cnnr, L.H. and E.G. Martin Cmpnents f pllinatin f cmmercial strawberries in Michigan. HrtSci 8(4): Cutcliffe, J.A. and C.R. Blatt Effects f N, P, K, B and lime n strawberry yields. Can. J. Plant Sci. 64: Dana, M.N The strawberry plant and its envirnment. In: The Strawberry - Cultivars t Marketing. N.F. Childs, Ed. The Natinal Strawberry Cnference St. Luis, MO. 17. Dugger, W.M Brn in plant metablism. In: Inrganic Plant Nutritin. A. Lauchli and R.L. Breleski (eds). (Encyclpedia f Plant Physilgy, New Series, Vl. 15B). Springer-Verlag, New Yrk. 18. Eatn, F.M Deficiency, txicity and accumulatin f brn in plants. J. Agric. Res. 69: Eatn, G.W. and L.I. Chen The effect f captan n strawberry pllen germinatin. J. ASHS 94: Eatn, G.W. and L.I. Chen Strawberry achene set and berry develpment as affected by captan sprays. J. ASHS 94(6): Frd, D.H. and S. Wilhelm Fruit defrmity f strawberry induced by a stigma-parasitizing fungus. Phytpath. 47(1957):521 (abstract). 22. Free, J.B The pllinatin f strawberries by hneybees. J. Hrt. Sci. 43: Free, J.B Insect pllinatin f crps, p Academic Press. Lndn, New Yrk. 24. Garren, R Causes f misshaped strawberries. In: The Strawberry: Cultivars t Marketing, p Gilbert, C Anther quality, pllen prductin, and fruit malfrmatin in strawberry. M.S. Thesis. Oregn State University, Crvallis, OR.

64 Gupta, U.C A simplified methd fr determining htwater sluble brn in pdzl sils. Sil Sci. 103: Gupta, U.C Interactin effects f brn and lime n barley. Sil Sci. Sc. Amer. Prc. 36: Gupta, U.C Brn nutritin f crps. Adv. Agrn. 31, Guttridge, C.G. and J.M. Turnbull Imprving anther dehiscence and pllen germinatin in strawberry with bric acid and salts f divalent catins. Hrt. Res. 14: Guttridge, C.G. and H.M. Andersn Surveys f anther number and quality in 'Redgauntlet' strawberry in England. Hrt. Res. 16: Guttridge, C.G., J.F. Reeves and W.W. Gerge Scanning electrn micrscpy f healthy and abrted strawberry anthers. Hrt. Res. 20: Haydn, G.F Brn txicity f strawberry. Cmmun. in Sil Sci. Plant Anal. 12(11): Hagland, D.R. and W.C. Snyder Nutritin f strawberry plant under cntrlled cnditins: (a) Effects f deficiencies f brn and certain ther elements: (b) Susceptibility t injury frm sdium salts. Prc. ASHS 30: Hulewicz, T. and J. Hrtynski Self-cmpatibility and fruit develpment in sme cultivars f strawberry (Fragaria ananassa Duch.). Genetica Plnica 13(1): Iwakiri, B. and L.E. Sctt Mineral deficiency symptms f the 'Temple' strawberry grwn in sand culture. Prc. ASHS 57: Janick, J. and D.A. Eggert Factrs affecting fruit size in the strawberry. Prc. ASHS 93: Janick, J. et al Plant Science: An Intrductin t Wrld Crps. 2nd ed. W.H. Freeman and Cmpany. U.S.A. 38. Jaycx, E.R The pllinatin f strawberries. American Bee Jurnal. August Jhansn, F Hunger in strawberries. Frank Jhansn Farm Cnsultant. Nv

65 Jhn, M.K A batch-handling technique fr ht-water extractin f brn frm sils. Sil Sci. Sc. Amer. prc. 37: Jhn, M.K., H.A. Daubeny and F.D. McElry Influence f sampling time n elemental cmpsitin f strawberry leaves and petiles. J. ASHS 100(5): Jhn, M.K., H.A. Daubeny, F.D. McElry and M. Garland Gentypic influence n elemental cmpsitin f strawberry tissues. J. ASHS 101(4): Keren, R., F.T. Bingham and J.D. Rhades Effect f clay cntent in sil n brn uptake and yield f wheat. Sil Sci. Sc. Am. J. 49: Khl, H.C. and J.J. Oertli Distributin f brn in leaves. Plant Physil. 36: Krnenberg, H.G Pr fruit setting in strawberries. I. Causes f a pr fruit set in strawberries in general. Euphytica 8: Krnenberg, H.G., J.P. Braak and A.G. Zeilinga Pr fruit setting in strawberries. II. Malfrmed fruits in Jucunda. Euphytica 8: Latimer, L.P The respnse f strawberries t brn. Am. Sc. Hrtic. Sci. 42: Laurinen, E. and J. Sak Effects f sil temperature n nutrient take-up, grwth, and yield in the strawberry. Annales Agriculturae Fenniae. 19: Marshall, G.W The effect f rain and applicatin f fungicides and insecticides n the catfacing f strawberries. Prc. Inc. Acad. Sci. 64: McGregr, S.G Strawberry-insect pllinatin f cultivated crp plants, p USDA Handbk N Mengel, K. and E.A. Kirkby Principles f Plant Nutritin. 3rd ed. Internatinal Ptash Institute. Switzerland, p Neilsn, B.V. and G.W. Eatn Effects f brn nutritin upn strawberry yield cmpnents. Hrt. Sci. 18(6):

66 Nitsch, J.P Grwth and mrphgenesis f the strawberry as related t auxin. Am. J. f Btany 37: Nye, W.P. and J.L. Andersn Insect pllinatrs frequenting strawberry blssms and the effect f hney bees n yield and fruit quality. J. ASHS 99(l): Parker, B.L., B.R. Byce and R.P. Marini Strawberry defrmities. University f Vermnt Ag. Expt. Stn. Bull Jan Pilbeam, D.J. and E.A. Kirkby The physilgical rle f brn in plants. J. Plant Nutritin 6(7): Pwelsn, R.L Etilgy and epiphytlgy f strawberry fruit rt caused by Btrytis cinerea Pers. Ph.D. Thesis. Oregn State University, Crvallis, OR. 58. Purvis, E.R. andw.j. Hanna Brn studies: I. The susceptibility f varius plants t brn txicity as influenced by sil type. Sil Science Sciety Prc p Reuf, J.U. and H.W. Richey A study f flwer bud frmatin in the Dunlap strawberry. Prc. ASHS 22: Schaefers, G.A Yield effects f TPB feeding n Junebearing strawberry varieties in New Yrk State. J. Ecn. Ent. 73(5): Sctt, D.H. and F.J. Lawrence Strawberries. In: Advances in Fruit Breeding. Purdue University Press. West Lafayette, IN. 62. Strawberry Nutrient Deficiency Symptms. Ext. Bull Nv Cp. Ext. Ser. Cllege f Ag. Washingtn State University, Pullman, WA. 63. Takahashi, K Factrs affecting malfrmatin f strawberry fruits in plastic greenhuses. Acta Hrticulturae 30: Taksdal, G. and 0. S^rum Capsids (Heterptera, Miridae) in strawberries, and their influence n fruit malfrmatin. J. Hrt. Sci. 46: Tanaka, H Brn absrptin by excised sunflwer rt. Sil Sci. Plant Nutr. 13:77-82.

67 Thmpsn, A.H. and L.P. Batjer The effect f brn in the germinating medium n pllen germinatin and pllen tube grwth fr several deciduus tree fruits. Prc. ASHS 56: Thmpsn, P.A Envirnmental effects n pllinatin and receptacle develpment in the strawberry. J. Hrt. Sci. 46: Tisdale, S.L. and W.L. Nelsn Sil Fertility and Fertilizers. 3rd ed. Macmillan Pub. C., Inc. New Yrk. 69. Ulrich, A., M.A.E. Mstafa and W.W. Allen Strawberry deficiency symptms: A visual and plant analysis guide t fertilizatin. Divisin f Agricultural Sciences, University f Califrnia. Publ. N Valleau, W.D Sterility in the strawberry. J. Ag. Res. Vl. XII, N Vasil, I.K Effect f brn n pllen germinatin and pllen tube grwth. In: Pllen Physilgy and Fertilizatin (ed. H.F. Linskins), pp Amsterdam: Nrth Hlland Publishing C. 72. Wald, G.F Fruit-bud develpment in strawberry varieties and species. J. Ag. Res. 40(5):

68 APPENDIX

69 58 Lygus Greenhuse Experiment Cultivar: Tristar Duratin f Experiment: February 24, 1986 t April 28,1986 Treatments: 1. N pllinatin, n Lygus 2. Hand pllinatin, n Lygus 3. N pllinatin, with Lygus 4. Hand pllinatin, with Lygus 5. Partially develped receptacle, with Lygus Trt. Defrmity Percentage Mean Fruit Weight

70 59 Fig. A.I. Healthy achenes frm well frmed fruit (25x) Fig. A.2. Pssible puncture wund in acheae frm malfrmed fruit (2500x)

71 60 Fig. A.3. Pllinated and nnpl linated achenes frm crt. 1 (n pllinatin, n Lygus ) (14x) Fig. A.4. Pllinated achenes frm trt. 2 ( with pllinatin, n Lygus ) (19x)

72 61 Fig. A-5. Pllinated and nnpl linated achenes frm trt. 3 ( n pllinatin, with Lygus ) (14x) Fig. A.6 Pssible puncture wund in achene frm trt. 4 ( with pllinatin, with Lygus ) (2000x)

73 62 Fig. A.7. Nnpllinated achenes frm trt (24x) Fig. A.8. Pssible puncture wunds in achene frm trt. 5 ( partially develped receptacle, with Lygus ) (loox)