Synthesis and crystal structure of tris (1, 10 phenanthroline)-iron (II) tetra (4-Nintro-phenyl-urea) bis chloride, [Fe(phen)3][Cl2•L4] chelates and evaluation of their efficacy as iron source for tomato in nutrient solution culture

Supplying a sufficient amount of available Fe for plant growth in hydroponic nutrient solutions is a great challenge. The chelators commonly used to supply Fe in nutrient solutions have several disadvantages and may negatively affect plant growth. In this research study we have synthesized certain Iron by 1,10-phenanthroline [(Fe(phen)(3))(Cl-2 center dot L-4)] (L = 4-Nintro-phenyl-urea), and evaluated their efficacy as Fe source for a tomato cultivar grown in nutrient solution. Application of Fe-chelates significantly increased root and shoot dry matter yield tomato cultivar compared with Fe-EDTA and FeCl3. Tomato plants supplied with [Fe(phen)(3)][Cl-2 center dot L-4] chelates also accumulated significantly higher levels of Fe and N in their roots and shoots compared with those supplied with Fe-EDTA and FeCl3. The results obtained indicated that using Fe-phen chelates in the nutrient solution could supply a sufficient amount of Fe for plant uptake and also improve root and shoot growth of tomato plants. According to the results, Fe-phen chelates can be used as an alternative for Fe-EDTA to supply Fe in nutrient solutions.