Foliar application of iron glutamate improves yield and growth of tomatoes compared to iron sulphate and L-glutamate

ABSTRACT Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), grown in iron deficient and calcareous soils, exhibits poor growth and yield loss, which may be moderated using biostimulants. A field experiment was conducted to determine the efficacy of the application of iron glutamate (Fe-Glu), iron sulfate (FeSO4), and L-glutamate (Glu) on growth and yield performance. Foliar application included: no treatment (NS), 0.50% FeSO4, 1% FeSO4, 0.50% Fe-Glu, 1% Fe-Glu, 0.50% L-Glu, or 1% L-Glu. Foliar application of 1% Fe-Glu increased plant height by 31%, shoot fresh weight by 25%, root fresh weight by 38%, and canopy diameter by 23%. Exogenous application with 1% Fe-Glu improved the fruit count and overall yield by 57% and 44%, respectively. There was an increase in fruit length by 20% and an increase in fruit diameter by 25%, respectively, due to foliar application of 1% Fe-Glu. Use of 1% Fe-Glu foliar might act as a better biostimulant than conventional sulfate salts in increasing tomato crop performance.