Tag Archives: foliar fertilizers

872-883 T.K. Sajyan, N. Shaban, J. Rizkallah and Y.N. Sassine
Effects of Monopotassium-phosphate, Nano-calcium fertilizer, Acetyl salicylic acid and Glycinebetaine application on growth and production of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) crop under salt stress
Abstract |

Effects of Monopotassium-phosphate, Nano-calcium fertilizer, Acetyl salicylic acid and Glycinebetaine application on growth and production of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) crop under salt stress

T.K. Sajyan¹*, N. Shaban¹, J. Rizkallah² and Y.N. Sassine³

¹University of Forestry, 10 Kliment Ohridski blvd, BG1797 Sofia, Bulgaria
²Lebanese University, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Veterinary Medicine, Department of Food Technology, Dekwaneh, Beirut, Lebanon
³Lebanese University, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Veterinary Medicine, Department of Horticulture, Dekwaneh, Beirut, Lebanon
*Correspondance: Tony.sajyan@hotmail.com

Abstract:

Salinity problem is increasingly affecting tomato production in Lebanon leading to economic losses. The study investigated the potential effects of nano-Calcium (LITHOVIT®), monopotassium-phosphate (MKP: 0-52-34) fertilizers, Acetyl salicylic acid (Aspirin) and the osmoregulator glycinebetaine (GB) on salt tolerance of potted determinate tomato (variety Sila) plants in open-field. Salt stress was induced by irrigation solutions of EC = 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 mS cm-1 and MKP (2, 3 and 3.5 g L-1), Aspirin (50, 75 and 100 mg L-1), LITHOVIT® (0.5, 0.75 and 1 g L-1) and GB (4.5, 6 and 7.5 g L-1) were applied through foliar application or fertigation. Comparisons between treated and non-treated plants at each salinity level (control) showed that LITHOVIT® decreased the salinity-induced reductions in stem diameter, leaf area and chlorophyll content. Medium concentrations of LITHOVIT® and Aspirin improved stem diameter and all products except Glycinebetaine improved flower number compared to control. Root dry weight and Root Mass Fraction were mostly enhanced in MKP and Aspirin-treated plants. Best improvement in plant yield (76%) was obtained with low concentrations of MKP and LITHOVIT® at EC = 8 mS cm-1 due to improvement in fruit number rather than fruit weight. Consequently, LITHOVIT® and MKP showed superior effects under salt stress compared to Aspirin and Glycinebtaine.

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