| Effects of Foliar and Soil Cobalt Applications on Biofortification and Physiological Parameters in Tomato Plants |
| Paper ID : 1319-IGA |
| Authors |
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Bülent Topcuoğlu * Akdeniz University Sustainable Agriculture Department, 07058 Antalya, Türkiye |
| Abstract |
| Background and aim: Cobalt (Co) is an essential element with important functions in human and animal health. Although cobalt is currently considered unnecessary for plant nutrition, its beneficial effects on plants have been identified. When cobalt is deficient in the soil, cobalt deficiency is observed in food products, leading to health problems. Cobalt biofortification in plants is among the most suitable options for increasing cobalt content in food products and supporting plant growth. However, in practice, dosage optimization issues arise depending on soil and plant conditions and application methods. This study aimed to determine the effects of soil and foliar cobalt applications on tomato plant growth, yield, cobalt biofortification and potential toxicity. Materials and methods: In the study conducted in a greenhouse cultivation environment, increasing doses of cobalt were applied to tomato plants via soil and foliar application. At harvest, the growth of tomato plants, fruit yield, cobalt content in leaves and fruit, total chlorophyll content, and total phenol content were analyzed. Results: Leaf and soil cobalt applications increased plant height, fruit yield, cobalt content in leaves and fruits, and total chlorophyll content in tomato plants at low-to-medium application levels, while decreasing these parameters at high application levels. Total phenol content in the leaves and fruits of tomato plants increased in both applications. In foliar cobalt applications, the cobalt content of tomato leaves was found to be higher, while in soil cobalt applications, the cobalt content of tomato fruit was found to be higher. Conclusion: The results showed that low-to-medium levels of cobalt application to soil and leaves successfully improved plant growth, yield, and cobalt biofortification. However, cobalt application via both methods significantly increased stress factors in plants, and a significant decrease in growth and yield was recorded at high cobalt application levels. |
| Keywords |
| Biofortification, Cobalt, Soil and Foliar Application, Tomato |
| Status: Accepted |
