Nano-boron foliar application reduced the proportion of cracked tuber yield in potato

Micronutrient nanofertilizers have garnered considerable attention due to improved nutrient use efficiency and crop yield. The deficiency of boron induces cracking incidences in potato tubers. This study was aimed to synthesize, characterize, and evaluate the impact of foliar application of boron nanoparticles on cracking of tubers, tuber yield, and quality attributes in potato cultivars, Kufri Jyoti and Punjab potato 102. The TEM studies revealed spherical, smooth-edged nanoparticles (average diameter: 5.81 +/- 1.55 nm), while the hydrodynamic diameter was 20.16 +/- 6.71 nm (PDI:0.413, zeta : 18.6 mV). In a field experiment, the foliar application of nano boron significantly improved the photosynthetic pigments except the anthocyanin content in both the potato cultivars. There was no negative impact on the phyllosphere microflora on foliar application of boron and nano-boron suspensions. The nano-boron (50 mg L-1) -1 ) foliar application improved the total tuber yield, and significantly reduced tuber cracking percentage as compared to the control treatment. Also, the shoot and tuber N and B contents were improved when nano boron particles were applied at 50 and 100 mg L -1 concentrations. Furthermore, foliar nano boron fertilization had non-significant effect on all the soil parameters, but the soil dehydrogenase activity was significantly improved. Nano-boron exhibited improved yield and use efficiency in potato.