Iodine biofortification with additional application of salicylic acid affects yield and selected parameters of chemical composition of tomato fruits (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

• Fruits of plants treated with KI contained significantly more iodine.
• SA contributed to an increase in iodine accumulation in tomato fruits.
• Fruits of plants treated with KIO3 were characterized by the best quality parameters.

Vegetables with increased content of iodine can become an alternative source of this element in the diet. Iodine is not a plant nutrient. Salicylic acid (SA) is involved in plant adaptation to stress conditions. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of iodine and SA on yield and selected parameters of chemical composition of tomato fruits. A three-year study with tomato cultivation in hydroponic system was conducted with the introduction of iodine and SA into nutrient solution: (1) Control, (2) KI, (3) KIO3, (4) KI + SA, (5) KIO3 + SA. Both iodine and SA were applied in a dose of 1 mg dm−3, i.e. 7.88 μM I and 7.24 μM SA, respectively. Fruits of plants treated with KI contained significantly more iodine. SA contributed to a 157% and 37% increase in iodine accumulation in fruits – for KIO3 + SA and KI + SA, respectively. Treatment with KIO3 was the best for nutritional value of tomato fruits.

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