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Boron shortage in oil palm: signs and what to do

What it looks like

Young leaves short, crinkled or hooked at the tip, 'fish-bone' leaves with leaflets missing, small new fronds.

What to do

  1. Apply borax, 50 g per palm, in the palm basin.
  2. Don't give more than recommended: too much boron harms the palm.

Questions

How do I recognise boron shortage in oil palm?

Young leaves short, crinkled or hooked at the tip, 'fish-bone' leaves with leaflets missing, small new fronds.

What should I do about boron shortage?

Apply borax, 50 g per palm, in the palm basin. Don't give more than recommended: too much boron harms the palm.

Sources: ICAR-IIOPR Crop Calendar 2026, TNAU Agritech Portal: oil palm nutrients

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