The Correct Answer is "boron deficiency".
- Boron deficiency is a deficiency of the micronutrient boron in plants.
- It causes large losses in crop production and crop quality
- It affects the vegetative and reproductive growth of plants, resulting in inhibition of cell expansion, death of meristem, and reduced fertility.
Important Points
- Boron deficiency in sugar beets characteristically causes the death of the growing point and the development of blackheart rot.
- Before the deficiency has reached this stage, the leaves, which may have cracked petioles, will have become progressively smaller and somewhat misshapen.
- After the death of the growing point, small bunches of leaves develop in the older leaf axils and the crown is very liable to become hollow and rot.
Additional Information
- The hollow heart is an internal disorder where a 'lens' or 'star'-shaped cavity forms in the tuber.
- It appears to be caused by an abrupt change in tuber growth rate which usually occurs after a period of stress.
- Water, heat stress and associated calcium deficiency appear to have a role in the development of a hollow heart.
- The crisp variety Atlantic and the French fry variety Russet Burbank are prone to hollow heart but if conditions are right most varieties can be affected.
- Hollow heart is an important problem for the potato industry as payments from processors and washer-packers for fresh market potatoes may be reduced.


