Summary
This controlled trial evaluated iron biofortification strategies in greenhouse cherry tomatoes cultivated hydroponically. The cultivar Creativo received three nutrient solution iron levels (as Fe-HBED: 0.022, 1, and 2 mmol L⁻¹) combined with foliar applications (as Fe-DTPA: 0, 250, and 500 µmol L⁻¹). Maximum iron accumulation in early-season fruit clusters (163–190% increase) was achieved with the highest combined treatment, accompanied by improved mineral content and quality metrics, though fresh weight decreased slightly at elevated iron levels.
Regional applicability
The study's findings on iron biofortification in soilless systems are applicable to United Kingdom glasshouse horticulture, particularly for intensive protected cultivation. However, transferability depends on adopting comparable hydroponic infrastructure and chelated iron formulations; outcomes may differ in soil-based UK systems or under different cultivars and environmental conditions.
Key measures
Fruit iron concentration, dry matter percentage, fresh weight, potassium, magnesium, sodium, zinc content, titratable acidity, soluble solids content
Outcomes reported
The study assessed iron concentration, dry matter content, fresh weight, and mineral composition of cherry tomatoes grown under varying iron treatments in a hydroponic system. Combined nutrient solution and foliar iron applications increased fruit iron concentration by up to 190% whilst improving mineral content and fruit quality traits.
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