EFFECT OF SUGAR BEET MOLASSES AND Fe-EDHHA ON TOMATO PLANTS GROWN UNDER SALINE WATER IRRIGATION CONDITION

Abstract

Salinity is a major limiting factor for tomato crop growth and productivity especially in arid and semi arid lands region. Therefore this study was conducted to study the effect of applying sugar beet molasses, priming tomato seedling in saline water and Fe-EDHHA on mitigating salinity negative effects on tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) hybrid super strain B (salinity sensitive hybrid). Seedlings of tomato hybrid were transplanted on April 4th in both seasons 2014 and 2015 in pots contains washed sandy soil, and irrigated with saline water with EC of 2000, 3000 and 4000 ppm. Beet molasses and Fe – EDHHA were applied at rates of 200 and 300 kg / fed. for beet molasses and 3 and 4 kg / fed. for Fe – EDHHA. Priming tomato seedlings in saline water treatment was applied at 5 and 6 dS/m for 24 hours. Data showed that all plant growth aspects such as plant height, leaf area, plant fresh and dry weights were improved under beet molasses, Fe and priming tomato seedlings in saline water treatments compared to none treated plants (control). Yield parameters also followed the same trend. Among treatments, beet molasses at a rate of 200 kg / fed. recorded the highest significant effect in mitigating salinity negative effects. It could be concluded that beet molasses, priming tomato seedling in saline water and Fe – EDHHA treatments were more effective and efficient in mitigating salinity stress on tomato plants.