Full Length Research Paper

Genotypic variation in the response of tomato to salinity

Ahmet Turhan¹*, Vedat Şeniz² and Hayrettin Kuşçu¹

¹Department of Industrial Plants Cultivation and Evaluation, Mustafakemalpasa Vocational School, University of Uludag, 16500 Bursa, Turkey.

²Department of Horticultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Uludag, 16059 Gorukle, Bursa, Turkey.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: turhan@uludag.edu.tr. Tel: +90 224 613 31 02 (61556). Fax: +90 224 613 21 14.

Accepted 26 January, 2009

In order to determine the predictive screening parameters that can be applied at early development stages of tomato plants, 18 tomato cultivars were grown in nutrient solution with 12 dS m^-1 NaCl. The research was conducted in a completely randomized design with tree replications. The relationships among the salinity and root, stem, leaf accumulation, K⁺/Na⁺ and Ca²⁺/Na⁺ ratios and root-stem-leaf dry weights were investigated. At the end of treatment, regarding studied parameters morphologic and physiologic changes were determined depending on increasing NaCl concentrations. With increasing concentrations, it was determined that all growth parameters were decreased. However, this decrease in salt tolerant cultivars was restricted as compared to salt sensitive cultivars. It was also determined that by increasing NaCl applications, the amount of Na⁺ was increased and, the amount of Ca²⁺ and K⁺ ions were decreased in salt tolerant cultivars same with growth parameters. Thus, it was concluded that, more K⁺ or Ca²⁺ absorbing plant with high K⁺/Na⁺ and Ca²⁺/Na⁺ rations were more salt tolerant. At end of the study, it was determined that dry weights and K/Na⁺- Ca²⁺/Na⁺ ratios were very effective on the salt tolerance. Considering the cultivars, H-2710 was characterized as more salt tolerant under saline conditions.

Key words: Tomato, genotypes, salt stress tolerance, salt treatment.