Response of some tomato genotypes to heat stress under al-Kharj-Saudi Arabia conditions

Abstract EN

Tomato is one of the most widely consumed vegetables worldwide due to its high nutinational value.

Yield losses of tomato due to heat stress have been reported; however, genotypic differences in heat tolerance exist in tomato.

In the presented work five tomato genotypes, Nagcarlang, Super Marmande, Peto 86, Super Strian B and Castle Rock were tested under heat stress at Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia during 2015 and 2016 growing seasons.

The experiment was carried out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) using 3 replicates.

The results revealed signifcant differences between tested tomato genotypes with regard heat stress.

The tomato genotype Nagcarlang recorded the highest values for fruit set and fruits yield per plant (g), while, peto 86 showed the highest values for number of branches per plant, flesh thickness and fruit height (cm).

The highest fruit diameter, Number of Locules and TSS (%) were observed for the tomato genotype Super marmmande.

The highly contrasting material on traits such as fruit set and total yield per plant under high temperatures can be used for further research to elucidate the physiological responses conferring adaptation to heat stress.