Content
Boric acid for currants can be used as root and foliar feeding, as well as for seed germination. This is a fairly effective tool that triggers growth processes and promotes the growth of green mass. Boric acid also helps protect plantings from pests and diseases, and most importantly, stimulates the formation of ovaries, which is especially important at the flowering stage. The solution is prepared based on a concentration of 2 g per 10 l, but there may be other dosages - from 0.5 g to 10 g per the same volume.
How to understand that currants lack boron
Boron is required by plants in small quantities, but is a vital element. Its deficiency or complete absence leads to poor formation of ovaries and reduced yield.
Treatment of currants in the spring with boric acid may be necessary in cases where clear signs of a deficiency of this substance are visible:
- young leaves become covered with yellow spots, especially along the veins;
- small leaf plates become less elastic, wrap themselves in a tube and crumble;
- the upper buds bloom more slowly, and the side buds - faster;
- flowering is not as abundant as in previous seasons;
- the fruits set poorly, the yield is lower than expected;
- the bark on currant branches and apical shoots die off.
When determining boron deficiency, several signs must be considered at once. Yellowing of the leaves may also indicate a lack of other elements, such as nitrogen, potassium or phosphorus.
A lack of nutrients can be determined by the following signs: the leaves become cup-shaped, small brown spots appear on the old lower foliage, which gradually increase, as a result of which the currant leaves die.
Rules for processing currants with boric acid
Boric acid can be bought at a pharmacy without a prescription or in stores for summer residents. It is sold in powder or tablet form (chemical formula H3B.O.3).. It is most convenient to work with powder, since it contains only pure substance without impurities. It is easier to dissolve in water than a tablet, which must first be crushed.
Boric acid is available in powder form
The established norm of 2-2.5 g per 10 liters must be observed especially carefully. To do this, you will need fairly accurate scales or you can purchase a pre-measured mass, packaged in bags. The solution is prepared in hot water, then brought to the total volume with liquid at room temperature and allowed to cool.
Treatment of currants with boric acid is carried out in several stages:
- seed dressing;
- buds opening;
- 5-7 days after this, when the bushes just begin to form ovaries.
When processing, seedlings are sprayed completely, trying to cover as many leaves as possible. You need to work early in the morning or late in the evening. In this case, the weather should be dry and windless - otherwise the rain will wash away the remaining solution.
When watering at the root, the soil is first cleared of weeds, and then water is poured onto the tree trunk circle - no more than 5 liters per bush. If you need to treat black currant seeds before planting seedlings, it is enough to prepare a small volume and keep the planting material in it for 24 hours.
What diseases and pests does it help with?
Boric acid gives quite a lot of positive effects for black, red and other varieties of currants. It stimulates the growth of green mass, increases seed germination, promotes the formation of ovaries, and also improves the taste of the berries themselves. Also, the benefits of using the solution are associated with the prevention of dangerous bacterial and fungal plant diseases:
- gray rot;
- bacteriosis;
- brown rot.
Boric acid helps get rid of ants, which contribute to the development of aphids, which is also dangerous for currants. However, it can only be considered as an additional means of prevention and treatment.
When signs of fungal or bacterial infections appear, it is necessary to treat the bushes with fungicides, and special insecticides and folk remedies help well against aphids.
Boric acid helps protect currants from diseases and pests
Instructions for use
The standard concentration of boric acid solution, which is used to treat blackcurrants in the spring and at other times of the year, is 2 g of pure substance per 10 liters of water. Preparing the mixture is quite simple:
- Heat the water to 60-70 degrees (do not use boiling water).
- Measure out the required amount (2-2.5 g) and first dissolve in a small volume of water (for example, 1 l).
- Mix thoroughly and bring to 10 l. You can take water at room temperature.
- Stir again, pour into a spray bottle and begin processing the currants.
Methods of using boric acid for currants
Boric acid for currants can be used in the following ways:
- Watering at the root (root feeding).
- Spraying bushes (foliar feeding).
- Treating seeds before planting seedlings.
Each method of application is described in detail below.
Fertilizing the soil
Boric acid is used as a fertilizer when planting currants and in subsequent seasons. This is done to prevent boron deficiency for various plants. The area is watered even before the seedlings are planted. Standard concentration – 2 g per 10 l. This volume is enough to process 10 square meters, i.e. 1 l per 1 m2.
Before preparing a site for planting, summer residents often apply complex fertilizers. If they already contain boron, there is no need to use additional fertilizing, since in this case there will be an excess of the element in the soil. In the future, watering should be given only in case of a clear deficiency of the substance, which can be determined by the leaves, ovaries or buds of the currant.
Spraying
In the case of spraying, the opinions of summer residents were divided. Some gardeners propose to carry out total treatment of leaves, others - only at the root.If clear signs of boron deficiency are visible on the leaves and other parts of the currant, it is better to treat the entire bush. Boric acid is not dangerous (toxicity class 4), and in moderate quantities will not cause any harm to the plant.
Thanks to regular spraying, currant yields will be consistently high
Some gardeners receive a fairly concentrated solution - 10 g per 10 liters, and not 2 g. There is no particular need for this - in order to prevent violation of the norm, it is better to start with small dosages. Spraying is carried out in dry and windless weather.
Root feeding
1-2 weeks after foliar application, it is necessary to water the root of the plant with a solution of boric acid. Use a standard dosage of 2 g per 10 l. From 2 to 5 liters are poured under each bush, but no more.
Seed treatment
Boric acid serves as a natural growth stimulator. It activates blackcurrant seeds, which improves their germination. Therefore, before planting seedlings, grains can be kept in a warm (but not hot) solution of a standard concentration of 2 g per 10 liters for 24 hours. If you plan to sow a lot of seeds at once, you can lightly dust them with talcum powder before planting.
Is it possible to use boric acid during flowering and fruiting?
Spraying currants with boric acid is carried out not only in spring, but also in summer, and the procedure is planned twice:
- During flowering (in the initial stage).
- During the fruiting period (when the berries are filled).
This contributes to good yield, and also has a positive effect on the taste, keeping quality and transportability of berries. In both cases, foliar application is carried out using the total spraying method. The concentration of the solution can be reduced to 1 g per 10 l.If other substances are added along with boric acid, it can be reduced to 0.5 g per 10 liters.
Conclusion
Boric acid for currants improves the taste of berries, makes the skin strong, increases immunity, and also increases productivity due to better fruit set. The product works well both with currants and with other crops. It is recommended for regular treatments. Dosages should not be violated, since excess fertilizer is no less dangerous than its deficiency.
