Determination of the effect of foliar-applied calcium and boron on elemental translocation in the green tissues of different plant species under greenhouse condition

In this study, the foliar application of calcium (Ca) and boron (B) to different plant species (wheat, tomato, cucumber, and soybean) under greenhouse conditions was investigated in terms of their translocation to young plant tissues and their effects on plant growth, yield, and nutrient uptake particularly that of Ca and B. The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design with four replications. Calcium nitrate [Ca(NO₃)₂] was applied at a dose of 1000 mg kg⁻¹ and boric acid (H₃BO₃) at 200 mg kg⁻¹. In all treatments, 20 mg kg⁻¹ of molybdenum (Mo) was added as a tracer element due to its mobility within the plant. After the application, SPAD values (chlorophyll content), dry matter yield, Ca and B concentrations, and the uptake of other nutrients were evaluated. Results varied depending on the plant species. In wheat, foliar-applied Ca and B had no statistically significant effect on SPAD, dry matter yield, or Ca concentration; however, B concentration increased significantly (p<0.001). Similarly, in tomato, SPAD and dry matter yield were not significantly affected, but B concentration ranged from 29.53 to 55.18 mg kg⁻¹, showing statistically significant differences (p<0.001). In cucumber, SPAD values were not significantly influenced, whereas foliar B application significantly increased dry matter yield (p<0.001). B concentration ranged from 40.40 to 154.00 mg kg⁻¹ and was statistically significant, while Ca concentration remained unaffected. In soybean, the highest SPAD value (36.78) was observed in the Ca+B treatment (p<0.001). Dry matter yield and Ca concentration were statistically non-significant, whereas B concentration showed a significant increase (p<0.001), with the highest value (271.04 mg kg⁻¹) recorded in the Ca+B treatment.