Boron tolerance of three wetland plant species native to the Steamboat Creek Drainage, Nevada

Research has shown excessive amounts of water-soluble boron can negatively impact the growth of agricultural and ornamental plants. However, little is known regarding the effects of boron on wetland plant species. For purposes of wetland restoration, the boron tolerance of three native wetland plants Baltic rush (Juncus balticus), Nebraska sedge (Carex nebrascencis) and cattail (Typha latifolia) were assessed under greenhouse conditions. Experiments were conducted to evaluate plant growth and boron uptake. Tolerance thresholds of 60 mg/L and 30 mg/L boron were established for rush and sedge, respectively. Excess salt was found to damage the plants before the onset of boron toxicity and therefore reduced the amount of boron the plants absorbed. Acclimation of wetland plants to increasing levels of boron could not be established. Baltic rush was determined to be the most boron tolerant.