What plant problems can result from long-term boron deficiency?

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A labeled diagram of the periodic table entry for boron shows its atomic number 5, symbol B, electron configuration, atomic weight range, and classification as a solid, weakly acidic, other nonmetal with a rhombohedral crystal structure at room temperature. — boron Properties of boron.

Long-term boron deficiency in plants typically manifests as stunted and misshapen growth. Specific disorders resulting from this deficiency include vegetable "brown heart" and "dry rot" in sugar beets.1

While the precise biological role of boron remains a subject of study, it is widely considered essential for the normal growth and functioning of apical meristems, which are the growing tips of plant shoots. These deficiency issues can generally be addressed by applying soluble borates to the soil.1