Genotypic differences in the synergistic effect of nitrogen and boron on the seed yield and nitrogen use efficiency of Brassica napus. (13th December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Youqiang; Zhao, Zhe; Wang, Sheliang; Shi, Lei; Xu, Fangsen
• Is Part Of: Journal of the science of food and agriculture. Volume 102:Number 9(2022)
• Page Start: 3563
• Page End: 3571
• Publication Date: 2021-12-13
• Subjects: nitrogen -- boron -- interactive effects -- seed yield -- nitrogen use efficiency -- Brassica napus; Food -- Periodicals; Agriculture -- Periodicals; 664
• DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.11700
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-5142

Abstract

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Rapeseed ( Brassica napus ) is highly sensitive to nitrogen (N) and boron (B) deficiency; however, the synergistic effects of these elements on rapeseed production are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of co‐application of N and B on seed yield, N uptake and N use efficiency (NUE) of rapeseed. Three rapeseed cultivars (W10, ZS11 and HG) were treated with different N and B application rates, and the seed yield, N uptake and NUE were examined in 2‐year field experiments. RESULTS: The application of B fertilizer (4.5, 9 kg borax ha −1 ) improved N uptake, NUE and seed yield. However, the magnitude of increase in seed yield by B fertilization was dependent upon the rate of N supply and genotype. The benefit of B was much greater at 180 kg N ha −1 than at 0 or 60 kg N ha −1 . The combination of N and B also improved N remobilization from sources (stems and husks) to sinks (seeds) and increased N recovery efficiency (NRE). Compared with the B‐inefficient cultivar W10, the B‐efficient cultivars ZS11 and HG were superior in growth, seed yield, N uptake and NUE on B deficient soils. Furthermore, B‐efficient cultivars showed great potential in saving N input, and the yield increased by more than 40% under B deficiency conditions. CONCLUSION: This study highlights a markedly synergistic effect of N and B nutrition on rapeseed NUE and yield production and shows that B‐efficient genotypes can increase yield and reduce N inputs under B‐deficient conditions. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.