Effects of iron fertilization on plant growth, yield components and quality traits of industrial tomatoes

Abstract

This study was conducted in order to investigate the effects of different iron applications on the yield and fruit quality traits of industrial tomatoes. Experiments were conducted in a randomized block design with three replications under field conditions. The H-5803 and Delfo hybrid industrial tomato cultivars were used as the plant material and experimental treatments included 0 (control), 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0 kg ha-1 FeEDDHA (6% Fe) applications. The greatest increases in plant growth parameters (fruit length and width), marketable and paste yields were achieved with 2.0 and 3.0 kg ha-1 FeEDDHA. Iron treatments had significant effects on fruit weight, width, and lengths, and the greatest values were obtained from 2.0 and 3.0 kg ha-1. Increasing iron treatments also increased fruit quality traits (dry matter, soluble solids, total acidity). A significant relationship, however, was not observed between iron treatments and fruit pH values. In terms of plant nutrition, fertilizer cost, and yield increases, 2.0 kg ha-1 FeEDDHA treatment could be recommended as a useful fertilization strategy in tomato cultivation.This study was conducted in order to investigate the effects of different iron applications on the yield and fruit quality traits of industrial tomatoes. Experiments were conducted in a randomized block design with three replications under field conditions. The H-5803 and Delfo hybrid industrial tomato cultivars were used as the plant material and experimental treatments included 0 (control), 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0 kg ha-1 FeEDDHA (6% Fe) applications. The greatest increases in plant growth parameters (fruit length and width), marketable and paste yields were achieved with 2.0 and 3.0 kg ha-1 FeEDDHA. Iron treatments had significant effects on fruit weight, width, and lengths, and the greatest values were obtained from 2.0 and 3.0 kg ha-1. Increasing iron treatments also increased fruit quality traits (dry matter, soluble solids, total acidity). A significant relationship, however, was not observed between iron treatments and fruit pH values. In terms of plant nutrition, fertilizer cost, and yield increases, 2.0 kg ha-1 FeEDDHA treatment could be recommended as a useful fertilization strategy in tomato cultivation.