Response of three tomato cultivars to increased salinity levels

Abstract EN

Tomato (Lvcopersicon esculentum Mill.

cvs.

Sera, 898, and Rohaba) were grown under increasing salinity levels 0, 72, 144 and 216 mM NaCl in nutrient solution.

Results showed that increasing salt concentrations adversely affected the shoot and root growth, K+ contents, and water uptake of all three cultivars.

The shoot Na+ content increased with increasing salt concentration in the nutrient solution.

The tomato Sera showed less inhibition at the higher salt concentrations (144 and 216 mM NaCl) in shoot and root fresh and dry weights.

The shoot and root growth in tomato 898 was the most inhibited at 144 and 216 mM NaCl levels, while the local cultivar (Rohaba) showed an intermediate salt sensitivity.

The tomato ’sera’ accumulated significantly lower Na+ in the shoots, while had higher shoot and root biomass, shoot K+, and K vs Na selectivity than other two cultivars.

No significant differences between cultivars for shoot height, root length, and water uptake by increasing salt concentrations in the nutrient solution.