The effect of foliar application of ferrous iron to eggplant (Solanum melongena) on iron and calcium contents in leaves

Abstract

  Recently, new types of ferrous fertilizers that release soluble Fe have been developed for use in Fe-sufficient soils. We applied ferrous chloride (FeCl₂) to leaves of young eggplant (Solanum melongena) grown in Fe-sufficient soil. Foliar application of FeCl₂ brought about an increase in the number of axillary shoots and fresh weight of whole shoot. Moreover, concentrations of Ca and Mn of leaves were increased though the treatment solution did not contain Ca or Mn. Foliar application of FeCl₂ could increase not only Fe concentration but also Ca concentration in leaves of leaf vegetables.