Phenotypic and molecular adaptations of <em>Zea mays</em> L. to low boron levels

Abstract

Boron is an essential micronutrient for crops and deficiencies of boron severely impact on yield. The molecular mechanisms of boron functions in plants, however, remain largely unexplored. Research summarized in this habilitation thesis covers phenotypic adaptations to and molecular processes affected by boron deficiency in the crop maize. This thesis further opens up new research avenues for breeding plants adapted to boron-limited soil conditions.