Abstract
Tomato (cv., Fukuzyu No.2), eggplant (cv., Hayabusa) and sweet pepper (cv., Shinsakigakemidori) were grown in a nutrient solution under glasshouse conditions and in soil bed in vinyl-house, respectively, in order to clarify the influence of additional supply of iron, manganese and copper on their growth, yield and absorption of water and mineral elements.
1. Additional supply of iron resulted in a remarkable decrease in growth and yield of tomato plants and increased dry and fresh weight and yield in eggplant, whereas manganese supply enhanced the growth and yield in tomato and greatly diminished dry and fresh weight and yield in eggplant plants. In the case of sweet pepper plants, copper supply promoted significantly the growth and yield.
2. There was a close positive correlation between the number of thick roots over 1 mm in diameter and yield in all plants tested.
3. Plants grown under additional supply of iron, manganese, and copper, respectively, showed the increase of iron, manganese, and copper concentration in the plant tissues with significantly higher iron content in the root. Antagonistic action between iron and manganese was observed in all plant parts.
