Effects of Iodine on Growth and Iodine Absorption of Hydroponically Grown Tomato and Spinach

Summary

This hydroponic study evaluated iodine application as both a potential antimicrobial agent and biofortification strategy in tomato and spinach cultivation. Species-specific sensitivity was observed: spinach exhibited reduced water and nutrient uptake alongside decreased leaf number and biomass under I⁻ treatment, whereas tomato remained largely unaffected. Iodine accumulated preferentially in leaves of both species, with additional accumulation in tomato fruit, suggesting potential for iodine biofortification if application rates are tailored to crop tolerance.

Regional applicability

This Japanese hydroponic research may inform UK protected cropping and biofortification strategies, particularly for leafy greens and tomatoes. The findings on species-specific iodine sensitivity would require validation under UK growing conditions and with locally preferred cultivars before informing commercial biofortification or antimicrobial protocols in UK horticulture.

Key measures

Plant growth parameters (leaf number, fresh weight), nutrient and water uptake, iodine concentration in plant tissues (leaves, stems, roots, fruit)

Outcomes reported

The study examined the effects of iodine (I⁻ and IO₃⁻) on plant growth and iodine concentration in tomato and spinach grown hydroponically. Plant species showed differential sensitivity to iodine; spinach growth and nutrient uptake were significantly reduced by I⁻ treatment, whilst tomato growth remained largely unaffected, and iodine accumulated preferentially in leaves with additional accumulation in tomato fruit.

Topic tags