Alleviation of Alkalinity-Induced Fe Deficiency in Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) by Foliar Application of Different Fe Sources in Recirculating System |
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| Authors: | Hamid R. Roosta Yaser Mohsenian |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Horticultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Vali-e-Asr University of?Rafsanjan, Rafsanjan, Iranroosta_h@yahoo.com;3. Department of Horticultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Vali-e-Asr University of?Rafsanjan, Rafsanjan, Iran |
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| Abstract: | This study was carried out to investigate the effects of foliar sprays of different iron (Fe) sources on eggplant grown in alkaline aquaponic solutions. Four treatments were used, untreated control, foliar application of iron sulfate (FeSO4), ferric ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (Fe-EDTA) and ferric ethylenediamine bis(2-hydroxyphenyl)acetic acid (Fe-EDDHA). The results showed that overall growth was significantly increased by foliar Fe application, and the highest values of vegetative growth parameters were recorded in plants treated with FeSO4. The Fe treatment led to a significant increase of shoot Fe concentration, and the highest Fe was observed in plants sprayed with FeSO4, compared to Fe-EDTA and Fe-EDDHA. The lowest chlorophyll content was observed in untreated plants. The highest SPAD index, maximal quantum yield of photosystem (PS II) photochemistry (Fv/Fm) and performance index (PI) values of young and old leaves were found with FeSO4 treatment. It is concluded that application of foliar Fe must be performed in the aquaponic system, to overcome Fe deficiencies in alkaline conditions. |
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| Keywords: | aquaculture aquaponic foliar application iron hydroponic eggplant |
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