Differences between genotypes of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) in foliar contents of total phosphorus, total nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen, under low light intensity and low night temperatures.

Abstract

Six tomato genotypes were grown in pots of fertilized soil under low light intensity (24 W/msuperscript 2), a day temperature of 19 degrees C and night temperatures of 14 degrees , 10 degrees or 6 degrees C. Significant differences between genotypes in nutrient contents of the leaves were established. For all the nutrients studied, contents were highest under the 19 degrees C/6 degrees C regime. Irrespective of temperature, Eurocross BB, Baby, Stupicke Polni and IVT line 2 had the highest P contents, while IVT line 2, Baby and Stupicke Polni had the highest contents of total N, nitrate N and reduced N. Differences were greatest for nitrate N, with Stupicke Polni being especially noted for its high contents under all 3 temperature regimes. Plant development was not limited in any of the genotypes or treatments by uptake and translocation of P and N, nor by the rate of nitrate reduction. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)