Russet Burbank potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) was grown at two locations in southeastern Idaho. Five replications of 0 and 2.2 kg B/ha soil applied before planting and 0.22 kg B/ha foliar applied at tuber initiation were studied. Total yields averaged between 58.4 and 62.8 t/ha at the two locations. Soil B application increased total tuber yields by 2.1 t/ha and US No. 1 yields by 2.3 t/ha compared to the untreated control and increases were consistent at both locations. Impacts of foliar B application were inconsistent--no change or a decrease in US No. 1 compared to the control and the latter (decrease) occurred where total tuber yield increased compared to the control. Soil test B at the end of the season reflected the soil B application rates and corresponding yields. Average soil B for with and without soil B application were 0.78 and 0.51 mg/kg for hot water extraction, 1.5 and 1.0 mg/kg for pressurized hot water extraction, 0.97 and 0.73 mg/kg for DTPA-Sorbitol extraction. Soil tests associated with foliar application were intermediate compared to the values for with and without soil B application. That soil test values for pressurized hot water and DTPA-Sorbitol are reflected in increased potato yields substantiates their potential for substituting for the laborious hot water extraction. Studies on different rates of B and soil and foliar B applications after plant establishment are underway.
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