Jute, often called Bangladesh’s “golden fiber,” is deeply woven into the nation’s cultural and economic fabric. Known for its versatility in textiles, packaging, and eco-friendly products, jute is a symbol of pride.
However, behind this success lies a pressing challenge: Bangladesh struggles to produce enough high-quality jute seeds. Farmers often save seeds from fiber crops, but these plants are weak, prone to disease, and yield poorly.
As a result, the country imports 80% of its jute seeds, draining valuable foreign currency. A groundbreaking study by the Bangladesh Jute Research Institute (BJRI), published in Heliyon (2025), offers a solution—boron fertilization.
The Crisis in Jute Seed Production
Bangladesh produces 1.68 million metric tons of raw jute annually, yet its seed production is alarmingly low. The country requires 5,000–5,500 tons of jute seeds yearly but meets only 15–20% of this demand domestically.
Farmers often prioritize staples like rice or vegetables over jute seeds due to economic risks, leaving the industry reliant on imports.
Compounding this issue, soils in key jute-growing regions like the Low Ganges River Floodplain are critically deficient in boron—a micronutrient essential for plant reproduction.
Boron strengthens cell walls, supports pollen development, and enhances seed formation. Without it, plants produce fewer seeds, and those seeds often fail to germinate.
The Study: Testing Boron’s Impact
To address this gap, the BJRI team conducted a two-year field trial (2021–2023) in Faridpur, a subtropical region with calcareous, boron-poor soil.
The soil here had just 0.14–0.19 µg/g of boron—far below the 0.5 µg/g threshold needed for healthy crops. Researchers tested three boron doses (2.0, 3.0, and 4.0 kg per hectare) using three methods:
Basal Application: Mixing boron into the soil before planting.
Foliar Spray: Spraying boron on leaves twice—first at 20–25 days after sowing (DAS) and again during flowering. Combined Method: Half the dose applied to the soil, the rest split into two foliar sprays.
The experiment used BJRI Tossa Pat-8, a high-yielding jute variety, and followed a randomized block design to ensure accurate results. Data on plant growth, seed yield, germination rates, and profits were meticulously recorded.
Key Findings: Boron’s Remarkable Benefits
The results were striking. Boron application significantly improved nearly every aspect of jute seed production. For instance, plants treated with 4.0 kg/ha boron via foliar spray produced 23 capsules per plant, more than double the 10 capsules seen in untreated plots.
These capsules were also longer (7.44 cm vs. 5.78 cm) and packed with more seeds—213 per capsule compared to 166 in the control group. Seed weight jumped from 1.55 grams per 1,000 seeds to 2.01 grams, indicating plumper, healthier seeds.
The most effective treatment, however, was 3.0 kg/ha boron applied as a foliar spray. Over two years, this method boosted seed yields by 30.7%, producing 573.53 kg/ha compared to 438.80 kg/ha in untreated fields.
Even the lowest boron dose (2.0 kg/ha) outperformed the control, proving that modest investments in boron deliver tangible returns.
Seed quality also improved dramatically. Boron-treated seeds had a 95% germination rate, up from 85% in untreated seeds. This leap in reliability means farmers can depend on their seeds for future planting, reducing costly imports.
Economically, the 3.0 kg/ha foliar spray increased profits by 22,945 Bangladeshi Taka per hectare (≈$210), making it the most cost-effective option.
Why Foliar Boron Application Works Best
Boron’s immobility in soil—it doesn’t dissolve easily—makes root absorption inefficient, especially in dry or calcium-rich soils. Foliar sprays bypass this challenge by delivering boron directly to leaves.
The first spray, applied 20–25 days after sowing, strengthens young plants during critical vegetative growth. The second spray, timed with flowering, ensures boron is available when plants need it most—during pollination and seed formation.
Soil applications, while beneficial, were less effective. For example, 3.0 kg/ha boron applied to the soil increased yields by 17%, but the same dose via foliar spray delivered a 30% boost.
This efficiency makes foliar sprays a smarter choice for farmers, particularly in regions with poor soil health.
The Science Behind Boron’s Success
Boron plays several vital roles in plant biology. First, it strengthens cell walls by cross-linking pectin, a structural carbohydrate. This not only supports plant structure but also improves nutrient transport.
Second, boron is crucial for reproduction—it aids pollen tube growth, enabling fertilization, and reduces flower drop. Finally, boron enhances stress resilience, helping plants withstand drought and disease. In Bangladesh’s jute-growing regions, soil deficiencies amplify these benefits.
The study site’s soil had low organic matter (1.2–1.32%) and deficient nitrogen (0.09–0.12%) and phosphorus (12–13 mg/g), creating a perfect storm of poor fertility. Boron supplementation addressed these gaps, unlocking the crop’s full potential.
Broader Implications for Global Agriculture
The lessons from this study extend far beyond jute. Crops like mustard, sesame, and almonds also thrive with boron supplementation.
For example, research shows boron increases oil content in sesame and improves almond yields by enhancing flower fertility. In wheat, boron reduces grain sterility, a common issue in boron-deficient soils.
Moreover, foliar boron sprays align with sustainable farming goals. They use 50% less fertilizer than soil applications, reducing waste and environmental impact.
Healthier plants also require fewer pesticides, lowering chemical use. For smallholder farmers, higher profits mean greater investment in education, healthcare, and climate-resilient practices.
Challenges and Considerations
While promising, boron fertilization isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Regional soil variations matter—results may differ in non-calcareous soils or areas with higher baseline boron levels.
Overapplication can also be harmful, as excess boron is toxic to plants. The study recommends sticking to 3.0 kg/ha to avoid buildup.
Another hurdle is farmer education. Many lack awareness of micronutrient management, relying instead on traditional practices. Training programs and government subsidies for boron fertilizers could bridge this gap, ensuring widespread adoption.
Recommendations for Farmers and Policymakers
For farmers, adopting foliar boron sprays is a game-changer. Applying 1.5 kg/ha at 20–25 DAS and another 1.5 kg/ha during flowering maximizes yields without overspending.
Using water-soluble boron products like Solubor (18% boron) ensures easy absorption. Regular soil testing is also crucial to monitor nutrient levels and adjust practices.
Policymakers can accelerate this shift by subsidizing boron fertilizers and funding research into nutrient synergies—for example, combining boron with zinc or magnesium.
Strengthening agricultural extension services through workshops or mobile apps would also empower farmers with knowledge.
Conclusion: A Brighter Future for Jute Farming
This study isn’t just about higher yields—it’s about resilience, sustainability, and economic freedom. By embracing boron fertilization, Bangladesh can reduce seed imports, empower farmers, and cement its status as a global jute leader. For smallholders, boron is more than a nutrient; it’s a lifeline, turning barren plots into thriving fields.
Power Terms
Boron: A micronutrient essential for plant growth, playing a key role in cell wall formation, seed development, and sugar transport. It is crucial for flowering and pollen tube growth, which directly impacts crop yield. For example, in jute plants, boron application improves seed yield and germination. Deficiency can lead to poor seed quality, while excess can be toxic.
Micronutrient: A nutrient required by plants in small quantities for proper growth and development. Examples include boron, zinc, and iron. These elements support vital functions like enzyme activity and photosynthesis. Without micronutrients, plants may show stunted growth or reduced yields.
Foliar Spray: A method of applying liquid fertilizer directly to plant leaves, allowing quick absorption. This is useful for correcting nutrient deficiencies during critical growth stages. For instance, spraying boron on jute leaves at flowering improves seed production.
Basal Application: The process of applying fertilizers to the soil before planting to ensure nutrients are available during early plant growth. For example, boron mixed with soil before sowing jute seeds helps in root development.
Seed Yield: The total quantity of seeds produced per unit area, such as kilograms per hectare (kg/ha). Higher seed yield is a key goal in agriculture, as seen in jute crops where boron treatment increased yield by 30%.
Germination Percentage: The proportion of seeds that sprout under optimal conditions, calculated as (Number of germinated seeds / Total seeds tested) × 100. High germination rates, like 95% in boron-treated jute, indicate good seed quality.
Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD): An experimental layout where treatments are randomly assigned within blocks to reduce environmental variability. This ensures fair comparison, as used in the jute study to test boron effects.
Principal Component Analysis (PCA): A statistical method to identify key variables influencing data. In the jute study, PCA revealed that capsule length and seed number were major contributors to yield differences.
Agroecological Zone (AEZ): A region with similar climate, soil, and land-use characteristics. The jute experiment was conducted in AEZ 12, a calcareous soil area in Bangladesh, to ensure localized relevance.
Capsule: A dry fruit that splits open to release seeds, such as in jute plants. Boron application increased capsule length and seed count, directly boosting yield.
Nutrient Management: The strategic use of fertilizers to meet crop needs while minimizing environmental harm. For example, balancing boron doses optimizes jute seed production without waste.
Pollen Tube: A structure that delivers sperm cells to the ovule for fertilization. Boron is vital for its growth; deficiency can cause poor seed set, as seen in untreated jute crops.
Soil pH: A measure of soil acidity or alkalinity, affecting nutrient availability. The jute study site had a pH of 7.4–7.5 (basic), influencing boron uptake.
Organic Matter: Decomposed plant/animal material in soil, improving fertility. Low organic matter (1.2–1.32% in the study) can limit nutrient retention, including boron.
Net Benefit: Profit calculated as (Yield increase × Seed price) – (Boron cost). The jute study showed a net benefit of 22,945 taka/ha with foliar boron.
DAS (Days After Sowing): A timeline for growth stages, e.g., 20–25 DAS for jute’s vegetative phase. Timing boron sprays at these stages maximizes effectiveness.
Thousand-Seed Weight: A measure of seed size and quality. Boron-treated jute seeds weighed 2.01 g/1000 seeds, heavier than untreated seeds (1.55 g).
Calcareous Soil: Soil rich in calcium carbonate, common in AEZ 12. It can bind boron, reducing availability, hence foliar sprays are more effective here.
Provax 200: A fungicide used to treat seeds before planting, preventing soil-borne diseases. Jute seeds were coated with it to ensure healthy germination.
Yield-Contributing Traits: Plant characteristics like branch number or capsule size that influence yield. Boron improved jute’s capsule count and seed weight.
Fertilizer Recommendation Guide (FRG): Official guidelines for nutrient application. The study used FRG’s suggested 3 kg/ha boron dose for jute.
Silt Loam: A soil type with balanced sand, silt, and clay, offering good drainage and fertility. The jute experiment site had this texture, ideal for growth.
Synergistic Effect: Enhanced results when treatments are combined, like basal + foliar boron boosting jute yield more than either method alone.
Economic Threshold: The point where treatment cost equals benefit. For jute, 3 kg/ha boron gave the highest profit, beyond which returns diminished.
Pollution Mitigation: Reducing environmental harm, such as using biodegradable jute instead of synthetic materials. Boron use aligns with sustainable farming by improving natural fiber production.
Reference:
Kumar, T., Tama, P. M., Hemel, S. A. K., Ghosh, R. K., Ali, M. I., Al-Bakky, A., & Alim, A. (2025). Optimizing boron application methods and dosages to enhance jute (Corchorus olitorius) seed yield and quality under sub-tropical climate. Heliyon, 11, e42320. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2025.e42320
