EFFECT OF BORON ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF TOMATO

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L) belongs to the family Solanaceae. Tomato is one of the most popular garden vegetables, originating in central and South America. Tomato was thought by early American Colonists to be poisonous and was not recognized as a useful vegetable until the 1800s. Tomato crop requires heavy manure and sufficient amount of fertilizers for heavy yield. For improving plant growth and development, use of organic and inorganic manure or fertilizers is essential. It is well established that chemical fertilizers improve plant growth directly by providing nutrients. Like the other nutrients, Boron also plays an important role in production of any crop in terms of yield, quality and control of some diseases. Boron plays an essential role in the development and growth of new cells in the meristem, proper pollination and fruit or seed set, translocation of sugar, starches, nitrogen and phosphorus, synthesis of amino acids and proteins, regulation of carbohydrate metabolism and stabilize the oxidative system in plants.