Summary
This greenhouse trial evaluated four iron chelate formulations differing in ligand type (EDTA, HEEDTA, DTPA) on iron uptake and accumulation in tomato grown in peat substrate. Iron chelate type significantly influenced plant iron status, with Fe 9 Premium (DTPA) producing the highest leaf iron content and Fe 13 Top (EDTA) the lowest. Application rates up to 82.1 mg Fe·dm⁻³ produced no visible phytotoxicity, though leaf iron content peaked at the intermediate rate of 75 mg Fe·dm⁻³ and declined markedly once fruit production began.
Regional applicability
This study was conducted in Poland using protected horticulture systems and peat-based growing media. The findings are directly transferable to United Kingdom greenhouse tomato production, which commonly uses similar peat substrates and chelated iron fertilisers. Results may inform UK horticulture practice regarding chelate selection and iron dosing for protected crops.
Key measures
Iron content in plant tissues (leaves, stems, fruits) assayed by ASA method; iron concentration in growing medium (50, 75, 100 mg Fe·dm⁻³); visual assessment of phytotoxicity and growth disorders
Outcomes reported
The study compared iron uptake and tissue concentration in greenhouse tomato across four chelate formulations and three iron application rates. Iron content in leaves, stems and fruits was measured, along with assessment of phytotoxicity and growth effects.
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