Effectiveness of Current Boron Application Recommendations and Practices on Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) in the Virginia - Carolina Region

Including peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in crop rotations is common for eastern Virginia and the Carolinas, as it thrives in the long growing season and sandy soils. Boron (B) is widely deficient, and is more prone to leeching in sandy soils. Applied B has difficulty reaching growing points as B has reduced phloem mobility in peanuts. Current B fertilization recommendations are based on only three studies from the early 70s. Many changes have been made in cultivar breeding since then. This research examines if recommended B application rates and times are still necessary for optimal yield, plant health and seed quality for current cultivars. Two experiments in seven fields compared four total amounts of B applied (0, 0.3, 0.6, and 1.1 kg ha-1), and application time (planting; beginning peg, R2; full seed, R6; planting and R2; planting and R6), and runner and Virginia market types, newer and obsolete cultivars, with or without B fertilization. Leaf B was elevated only directly after fertilization (p=0.004, p<0.001), and in relation to total B applied (p<0.001), but seed B content was unaffected. Yield was not impacted by B rate or application time. Yield was higher (p=0.012) for newer cultivars when B fertilized, but no different than obsolete cultivars with B. Seed from obsolete cultivars had higher (p=0.010) B, no difference between market types or B fertilization. Germination of all seed was 97%. Based on this research, it is not necessary to apply B for optimal yield, plant health and seed quality for current cultivars.