The effect of deficiency of molybdenum and boron on trifluralin damage in cauliflowers

Abstract

A nutrient solution was developed for aerated hydroponic culture of cauliflowers. Plants were grown in modifications of this solution to induce molybdenum and boron deficiency and then given a foliar spray of trifluralin. Symptoms of damage were observed and recorded. lnterveinal chlorosis, which is normally associated with molybdenum deficiency was more severe after trifluralin application. Similarly, leaf cupping, and heart deformity are symptoms of deficiencies of both molybdenum and boron and were associated with trifluralin damage. Both molybdenum deficiency and trifluralin damage reduced shoot and root growth and interacted in terms of their effect on leaf area and leaf thickness.