Application of different foliar iron fertilizers for improving the photosynthesis and tuber quality of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) and enhancing iron biofortification

Abstract Background The potato ( Solanum tuberosum L.) is an important food crop in the alkaline soil area of northwest China. It abundant ascorbic acid (vitamin C), which facilitates iron absorption body. large consumption makes it a good source for human However, deficiency regions reduced chlorophyll synthesis leaves, resulting lower photosynthesis and less sugar supply to plant's healthy organs, significantly restricted development yield, inflicted major economic losses. Methods In this study, 2-year (2020–2021) field trial was designed. Under foliar application five different fertilizers: ferric sulfate [(Fe 2 (SO 4 ) 3 ], T1; ferrous (FeSO ·7H O), T2; citric acid/ferric (CA/Fe ), T3; acid/ferrous (CA/FeSO T4; ethylenediamine tetra acetic (EDTA-Fe·Na), T5, changes plant were compared no fertilization, CK conditions. effects various fertilizers on quality, content tubers, their correlations levels, characteristics photosynthetic fluorescence studied. Results results indicated that spraying increased quality Fe might be due improvement plants’ pigment content, gas exchange parameters fluorescence. two consecutive years cultivation, we found tuber yield potatoes treated with fertilizer sprays. Among them, most by T5 T3 treatments CK, while higher treatment than other treatments. Tuber 33.28% 18.85% 2020 50.74% 54.48% 2021 treatments, respectively, CK. 112.64% 54.98% treatment, Conclusions EDTA-Fe·Na CA/Fe excelled over fertilizers. findings study are instructive developing cost-effective management systems maximize impact biofortification health. Graphical