IMPACT OF BORON LEVELS ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF WHEAT (TRITICUMA ESTIVUM L.)

Background: Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a key staple crop in Pakistan, contributing significantly to national food security. However, micronutrient deficiencies, particularly boron (B), are limiting wheat productivity, especially in calcareous soils prevalent across much of the country. Boron plays a critical role in spikelet fertility and grain setting, and its deficiency can lead to poor grain development and lower yield. Appropriate boron management is essential to improve crop performance and maximize returns in deficient soils. Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the impact of varying soil-applied boron levels on the growth and yield parameters of wheat under field conditions in Tandojam, Sindh, and identify the most agronomically and economically optimal boron application rate. Methods: A field trial was conducted at the Agronomy Research Farm, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, during the Rabi season of 2023–2024. The experiment followed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) comprising six treatments: 0.0, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, and 4.0 kg B ha⁻¹, each replicated three times. The wheat variety TD-1 was sown using a seed rate of 100 kg ha⁻¹. All treatments, except the control, received uniform doses of NPK (130:80:50 kg ha⁻¹). Growth and yield parameters were recorded from five tagged plants per plot, and statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA with LSD at 0.05 significance level. Results: Application of boron significantly improved all growth and yield attributes. The highest grain yield was recorded at 4.0 kg ha⁻¹ (6700 kg ha⁻¹), followed closely by 3.5 kg ha⁻¹ (6625 kg ha⁻¹), while the control produced the lowest yield (5565 kg ha⁻¹). The treatment with 3.5 kg ha⁻¹ also showed higher net economic returns compared to 4.0 kg ha⁻¹, making it the most efficient dose. Conclusion: Boron application significantly enhanced wheat yield in boron-deficient soils, with 3.5 kg ha⁻¹ identified as the most effective and economically viable rate for sustainable production.