Vegetative growth and nutrient uptake of salinity stressed Cherry tomato in different calcium and potassium level

Abstract:Cherry tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum var. cerasiforme) is one of the most important fruit vegetables that produce in vast area. Many crop plants including tomatoes are susceptible to high salinity. Addition of supplemental Ca2+ and K+ can ameliorate negative impact of high salinity. In this study salinity treatments were applied by a modified Hoagland solution (60 mM NaCl) with four K+ (0.2, 2, 7, 12 mM) and Ca2+ (0.2, 2, 4, 8 mM) levels to evaluate vegetative and generative growth parameters and mineral elements in different salinity conditions. Increase in K+ concentration caused increase in leaf area. In calcium and potassium treatments, yield increased up to 7 mM K+ and 4 mM Ca2+ levels. In salinity conditions, nitrogen concentration increased as Ca2+ and K+ level went up. Rising in calcium level in the salinity conditions contributed to increase phosphorus concentration in leaf significantly but supplemental potassium showed contrary results. Rise in calcium and potassium level in nutrient solution elevated K+/Na+ ratio significantly. Increase in calcium and potassium level escalated K+ concentration in tomato fruits. Addition of supplemental calcium enhanced calcium concentration but supplemental potassium reduced calcium concentration in leaves and fruits significantly. According to results, a strategy that can be attempted for coping with salinity is adding Ca2+ and K+ to salty growth medium.