Raspberry: Boron deficiency

Biology

Boron deficiency affects the level of growth hormones in plant tissue, as well as pollen tube growth. Bud break in the spring is delayed, and many buds die off. Other symptoms include abnormal or uneven shoot growth in the spring, malformed dark blue-green fern-like leaves; small and malformed crumbly fruit, and underdeveloped roots. Fruit ripening may be delayed, and overall yield is significantly decreased. Boron deficiency is relatively common in Western Washington and Oregon.

Management Options

Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management.

Non-chemical Management

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

• Apply fertilizer containing boron. Spring applications are most effective.

Chemical Management

IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.

• None recommended.

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