Effects of Different Levels of Salinity on the Growth and Yield of Tomato

Abstract

Aims: This study evaluated the effects of increasing sodium chloride concentrations on the growth and yield of three tomato varieties and identify a comparatively salt-tolerant variety. Study design: Two-factor pot experiment in a randomised complete block design with three replications; one pot containing one plant was the experimental unit. Place and Duration of Study: Horticulture Farm, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh, from November 2017 to March 2018. Methodology: BINA Tomato-6, BINA Tomato-11, and BINA Tomato-12 were treated with 0, 25, 50, or 75 mM sodium chloride. Growth, flowering, and yield attributes were analysed by analysis of variance, and means were separated using the least significant difference test. Results: Variety, salinity, and their interaction significantly affected most traits. BINA Tomato-11 produced the greatest mean plant height (69.79 cm at 60 days after transplanting), number of fruits (5.33), individual fruit weight (41.09 g), and fruit yield (209.50 g plant-1). Mean yield declined from 238.67 g plant-1 at 0 mM to 128.78 g plant-1 at 75 mM. BINA Tomato-11 at 0 mM produced the maximum interaction yield (333.00 g plant-1), whereas BINA Tomato-6 at 75 mM produced the minimum (120.33 g plant-1). Conclusion: BINA Tomato-11 performed comparatively better than the other two varieties under the tested pot conditions. These results indicate potential salinity tolerance, which requires confirmation through replicated field trials in salt-affected environments.