GROWTH, NUTRIENT ACQUISITION, AND PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES OF HYDROPONIC GROWN TOMATO TO SODIUM CHLORIDE SALT INDUCED STRESS

Growth and nutrient acquisition of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) cv Amani' were studied under induced salt stress in Hoagland's solution. The plants were treated for 37days with salinity induced by incorporating different concentrations [0.0 (control), 50, 100, 150, or 200mM] of sodium chloride (NaCl) to the nutrient solution. Slight reduction was obtained in growth represented by (shoot length and number, leaf number, and dry weight) when seedlings were directly exposed to NaCl stress from 0.0 to 100mM. At higher concentrations (150 or 200mM), growth parameters were adversely affected and seedlings died thereafter. Elevated salinity significantly reduced crude protein and fiber in shoots and roots. Tomato shoot and root contents of potassium (K), iron (Fe), and ash were reduced significantly in response to increased levels of salinity. Tissue contents of sodium (Na) and chloride (Cl) increased with elevated salinity treatments.