Cherry Tomato Seedlings Research Articles

Mutual intercropping affects the growth and selenium content of cherry tomato seedlings

Intercropping can increase the utilization rate of light and water and can also improve plant growth. The objective of this study was to investigate the growth and selenium (Se) content in seedlings of three genotypes of cherry tomato under intercropping while applying Se. The pot experiment was conducted in a greenhouse. The monoculture of red, yellow and purple cherry tomato; among the three genotypes of cherry tomatoes, intercropping of two genotypes with each other, at the same time intercropping of three genotypes. These results show that the biomass increased under intercropping compared with monoculture. The chlorophyll b content of purple cherry tomato increased in different intercropping combinations. Furthermore, the net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate of purple were increased by intercropping with red and purple cherry tomatoes. The soluble protein and soluble sugar contents in yellow and purple cherry tomato increased by 49.13% and 8.37%, respectively, under mutual intercropping. Similarly, soluble sugar increased in purple cherry tomato by intercropping with yellow and red. The activities of superoxide and peroxidase in red and yellow cherry tomato seedlings were higher in all intercropping combinations than in monoculture, whereas free proline content and relative conductivity in all cherry tomatoes decreased. The Se content of roots, stem, and leaves in seedlings increased with intercropping. Therefore, intercropping can improve the growth and Se content of cherry tomatoes, and the combination of red, yellow and purple is better, which can be used to cultivate strong seedlings.

Compatibility of wild rootstocks in the production of cherry tomato seedlings

Growing tomato crops is a highly significant activity in Brazil; however, several factors limit tomato productivity, mainly soil-borne diseases which, without proper control, can compromise the entire crop production. The proper use of grafting techniques emerges as an alternative to overcome barriers that limit tomato production in regions with unfavorable growth conditions. The use of rootstocks resistant to root diseases is seen as a viable option for tomato production. In this context, the objective of this work was to evaluate the compatibility and efficiency of rootstocks for cherry tomatoes. A randomized block design was used, with five treatments and four replications; each plot consisted of 36 grafted seedlings. The treatments consisted of rootstocks of Eggplant, Jurubeba, Jilo, and Tomato (Intacto; Feltrin Sementes®), and a Control (cherry tomato without grafting). All rootstocks were compatible with cherry tomatoes. Moreover, seedlings grafted onto Jurubeba rootstocks presented results closest to the Control (cherry tomatoes). Seedlings grafted onto Jurubeba and Eggplant rootstocks presented the best results regarding vegetative development and total dry matter accumulation. Jurubeba and Eggplant rootstocks are viable alternatives for grafting cherry tomato seedlings. All utilized rootstocks can be further investigated for their resistance to root diseases affecting tomato crops.

Use of spent mushroom substrate for cherry tomato seedlings; a potential alternative to peat in horticulture

ABSTRACT This study aimed to assess the potential of using spent white button mushroom substrate (SMS) as replacement for peat for producing cherry tomato seedlings, considering different proportions of fresh and composted SMS. Phase I focused on testing the performance of seedlings raised in different growing media mixes and Phase II on the assessment of the subsequent yields of the tomatoes raised in selected treatments. Results showed that the use of fresh SMS as a replacement for the peat-based control substrate was limited to 20% (% w/v), due to its high salinity. However, the control substrate could be replaced completely with composted SMS (Composted SMS 100) without any significant differences in the growth of the seedlings. Based on the most promising results from Phase I, yields of plants raised in composted SMS (Composted SMS 40 and 100), fresh SMS (Fresh SMS 20), and peat-based control were compared. There were no significant differences in the total yield (mass) between the treatments, but the average total number of fruits of the five harvest dates was higher in the Composted SMS 100 and in the control than in the other treatments. Notably, Composted SMS 100 and control produced greater mass of tomatoes at the final harvest. In conclusion, SMS provided an effective alternative for production of cherry tomato seedlings, with composting of the SMS before use being a crucial step. It was recommended that no more than 20% fresh SMS should be used to replace peat to ensure optimal growth of cherry tomato seedlings.

In-vivo Screening of Cherry Tomato [Solanum lycopersicum L. var. cerasiforme (Dunnal) A. Gray] Genotypes and Hybrids against Fusarium Wilt in Arunachal Pradesh, India

Cherry tomato [Solanum lycopersicum L. var. cerasiforme (Dunnal) A. Gray] is becoming popular among various tribes of Arunachal Pradesh due to its unique taste, flavor and appearance. Owing high rainfall and high humidity, successful cultivation of cherry tomato is becoming restricted in this state due to various biotic factors like infection of wilt complexes as well as pests like root-knot nematodes. The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate eighteen cherry tomato genotypes (nine) and hybrids (nine) against Fungal wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici resistance in the Pasighat condition of Arunachal Pradesh, India. For screening purpose, artificial pathogen inoculation method was applied through pin-prick method in the 35 days old cherry tomato seedlings that were grown in pot culture containing sterile soil and data for the pathogen infection was recorded by following Completely Randomized Design (CRD) in 60 days and 120 days after pathogen inoculation. Among 18 genotypes and hybrids, G4xG6 (DI:0.00%, PDI:0.00%), G9 (DI:0.00%, PDI:0.00%) and G5 (DI:0.00%, PDI:0.00%) showed highest resistance towards Fusarium wilt, while genotype G3 (DI:65.56%, PDI:63.60%) exhibited susceptible system. The disease incidence was ranged from 0.00%-65.56%. The use of resistant genotypes and hybrids to manage the population of fungus is a very cost effective method and can be exploited commercially in breeding programmes and for vegetable grafting.

Emergence and Structural Characteristic of the Solanum pimpinellifolium in Trays under Different Levels and Types of Substrates

The cultivated tomato is one of the most consumed vegetables in the world, and the preparation of seedlings plays a fundamental role in the success of the crop, which is often plagued by fungi and bacteria from its earliest stages. This study aimed to analyze the emergence speed index and morphological parameters of Wanda hybrid cherry tomato seedlings (Solanum lycopersicum var. pimpinellifolium) in trays with two different types and levels of substrates in a protected environment using certified seeds. The experiment was conducted in the greenhouse of the IFCE—Campus Crato during the months of August and September 2022. Two basic substrates were used to promote germination and emergence: one was the commercial Vivato Slim Plus®, and the other was based on worm humus produced in Minhobuckets kits. The experimental design was completely randomized, consisting of five doses of commercial substrate (SBC) and earthworm humus (HDM) in the following proportions: S1—HDM; S2—SBC; S3—HDM + SBC (1:1), S4—HDM + SBC (1:3), and S5—HDM + SBC (3:1). The ESI, morphological parameters (SD, PH, ROOTL, and NL), and the dry biomass of the seedlings (LDB, SDB, RDB, and TDB) were determined. Data were subjected to an analysis of variance, and Tukey’s test (0.05) was used; dry biomass data were submitted to square root transformation. For the emergence speed index, SBC (S2) outperformed the others. Regarding the morphological parameters and dry biomass, all substrates yielded satisfactory results, despite not showing a statistical difference between the averages. The substrate S4 produced the best results in all evaluated parameters.

Multi-factor coupling regulation of greenhouse environment based on comprehensive growth of cherry tomato seedlings

Environmental regulation based on crops can ensure efficient and high-quality production. However, environmental factors, such as temperature, air humidity, and light intensity, promote and restrict production during the crop growth, while complex compensation effects and feedback paths exist among these factors. In order to accurately and efficiently control the greenhouse environment for the growth of cherry tomato seedlings, a design of composite quadratic orthogonal regressive rotation with three factors and five levels was adopted. Experimental variables included temperature, relative humidity (RH), and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). We established the response models of growth indicators (seedling index, dry matter accumulation, net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate and chlorophyll content) to environmental multiple factors. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and entropy weight method were introduced to weight five indicators, and the game theory-based combined weighting method was subsequently used to obtain the final weight of each indicator. A comprehensive growth evaluation system for cherry tomato seedlings was established based on Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), and the response model of comprehensive growth to environment multi-factor was established according to evaluation values. Also, the synergistic regulation of the environmental factors was analyzed. Results demonstrated that the optimum environment for the seedling index is consistent with that of dry matter accumulation, but different from those of other growth indicators. Furthermore, the greatest combined weight was determined for the seedling index (0.327), while chlorophyll content ranked bottom (0.118). Enhancing photosynthetically active radiation was not able to significantly promote the growth of tomato under low temperatures and humidity. Based on our results, for medium levels of photosynthetically active radiation, increasing relative humidity rather than temperature is suggested for the promotion of tomato growth during the seedling. In addition, the optimal environmental factor combination for comprehensive growth of cherry tomato seeding was a temperature of 27.6 °C, an RH of 76.1% and PAR of 396.3 μmol•m − 2•s − 1. Our results can be applied to the environmental management of greenhouse cherry tomato seedlings and can also improve energy efficiency of environmental control.

Comparative study on the cadmium accumulation of five colour cherry tomato seedlings

In order to study the differences in cadmium (Cd) accumulation and biomass of different colour cherry tomato seedlings under Cd (10 mg/kg) stress, five different colour cherry tomatoes were used as experimental objects in pot experiments. Studies have shown that the biomass of stems, leaves and above-ground parts of yellow and pink cherry tomatoes (yellow and pink) was higher, and the Cd content in the three parts was lower. The biomass of roots, stems, leaves and above-ground parts of purple and green cherry tomatoes (purple and green) was lower, and their Cd content was higher in stems, leaves and above-ground parts. Red cherry tomato (red) had higher biomass of roots, leaves and shoot, and its Cd content in leaves and shoot was also the highest.

Effect of mutual grafting on the growth and moisture content in post-grafting of two varieties cherry tomato seedlings

The effects of mutual grafting on growth and moisture content in post-grafting generations of two varieties cherry tomato seedlings (yellow cherry tomato and red cherry tomato) under stress of Cd were studied in a pot experiment involving the following: un-grafted yellow cherry tomato and red cherry tomato (Yellow CK and Red CK), yellow cherry tomato as rootstock and red cherry tomato as scion (Yellow Rootstock, Red Scion), yellow cherry tomato as scion and red cherry tomato as rootstock (Yellow Scion, Red Rootstock). Mutual grafting increased plant height, stem weight of post-grafting of yellow cherry tomato; however, stem diameter, root and leaf weight and moisture content were no significantly effects compared with Yellow CK. As for red cherry tomato seedlings, mutual grafting increased root length of post-grafting; plant height and moisture content of post-grafting of Red Rootstock were increased, while in Red Scion, the these parameters decreased or showed no significant effects. These results imply that mutual grafting may improve or no effect in growth and moisture content of post-grafting generations.

Effect of different light intensities on the photosynthate distribution in cherry tomato seedlings

ABSTRACTTo investigate the effect of varying the light intensity on the photosynthate distribution, cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) seedlings were grown under different light intensities. It was found that the seedlings under 300 μmol m–2 s–1 had a significantly higher dry weight and health index (Health index = Stem diameter/Stem height × Dry weight) than seedlings receiving other light treatments. On the contrary, the biomass, specific leaf mass and health index values of seedlings exposed to 50 μmol m–2 s–1 and 550 μmol m–2 s–1 were the lowest among all of the treatments. In terms of 14C-labelled photosynthate translocation, the seedlings under 300 μmol m–2 s–1 had lower remaining 14C-labelled photosynthate (31.45%) compared with other treatments, after 14CO2 was supplied for 2 days. The seedlings under 150 μmol m–2 s–1 had 36.97% of 14C-labelled photosynthate in the labelled leaves and transported the obviously higher 14C-labelled photosynthate to new shoot than others. Together, our results indicate that the photosynthate distribution was the most rational in cherry tomato seedlings at 300 μmol m–2 s–1, which enhanced leaf photosynthesis and plant growth.

Effects of seaweed extract on the growth, yield and quality of cherry tomato under different growth conditions

An experiment was carried out to determine the effect of foliar application of seaweed extract (0.2 %) on the growth, yield and quality of cherry tomato under stress and non-stress conditions. The greenhouse experiment was set up in a randomized block design with four treatments in three replications. Treatments were as follows: V1 - seedlings treated by seaweed extract and subjected to drought; V2 - seedlings treated by seaweed extract and regularly watered; V3 - non-treated seedlings subjected to drought; V4 - non-treated seedlings regularly watered. Cherry tomato seedlings treated by seaweed extract had a lower content of proline and higher leaf water potential compared to non-treated seedlings under stress conditions, indicating that application of this fertilizer contributes to better adaptation of cherry tomato seedlings to stress. Treatment with seaweed extract also positively influenced the yield and quality of cherry tomato (total soluble solids, vitamin C, lycopene) under both standard and drought stress conditions as compared to untreated plants in same conditions. Positive effects of seaweed extract on growth and quality of cherry tomato are result of its specific composition, as well as ability of cherry tomato plants to utilize bioactive substances in seaweed extracts for its growth and development.

Photosynthesis and leaf development of cherry tomato seedlings under different LED-based blue and red photon flux ratios

We investigated the photosynthesis and leaf development of cherry tomato seedlings grown under five different combinations of red and blue light provided by light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Fresh biomass increased significantly under treatments with blue light percentages of 50, 60, and 75%, with 50% blue-light-grown seedlings accumulating significantly more dry mass. The 25% blue-light-grown seedlings were obviously weaker than those from the other LED treatments. An increase in net photosynthetic rate upon blue light exposure (25–60%) was associated with increases in leaf mass per unit leaf area, leaf area, leaf density, stomatal number, chloroplast and mesophyll cell development, and chlorophyll contents. Our results imply that photosynthesis and leaf development in cherry tomato seedlings are associated with both the proportion and quantity of blue light.

Response of cherry tomato seedlings to liquid fertiliser application under water stress

The aim of this study was to examine the impact of different liquid fertilisers on selected physiological parameters in order to evaluate the drought tolerance of cherry tomato seedlings. The following physiological parameters were investigated: total phenolic and flavonoid content, total antioxidant capacity and proline content of leaf extracts. Total phenolic and flavonoid content were determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminium chloride colorimetric methods, respectively. The ferric-reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP assay) was used to measure the total antioxidant capacity, while proline content was evaluated according to the method of Bates. The contents of proline, total phenolics and flavonoids were significantly higher in the leaves of cherry tomato seedlings exposed to water stress, which suggests that the higher synthesis of these substances by plants represents an important defence mechanism of drought tolerance. The results also indicate that the application of all the used fertilisers in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions can significantly increase the content of phenol compounds and total antioxidant capacity of plants under normal growth conditions, thus improving survival under subsequent stress.

Cherry tomato productivity as influenced by liquid organic fertilizer under different growth conditions

This study was carried out to examine the impact of liquid organic fertilizer Ergonfill (LFE) on the yield and quality of cherry tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. Sakura F1) under different growth conditions. The experiment was set up in a randomized blocks design with four variants in three replications. Experiment variants were as follows: drought-stressed seedlings with and without LFE treatment, and non-stressed seedlings with and without LFE treatment. Exposure of cherry tomato seedlings to controlled water stress conditions significantly increased fruit quality parameters (total soluble solids, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, lycopene, total phenolic and flavonoids, total antioxidant capacity), but decreased yield. LFE treatment significantly increased by the all examined parameters under normal growth conditions as compared to untreated plants, and for total phenolic and flavonoids content, total antioxidant capacity and total soluble solids this increase was statistically significant. Positive impact of the LFE application on cherry tomato quality is result of fertilizer composition, as well as ability of cherry tomato plants to use bioactive substances in fertilizer for its growth and development.

Growth and Development of Cherry Tomato Seedlings Grown under Various Combined Ratios of Red to Blue LED Lights and Fruit Yield and Quality after Transplanting

Growth and Development of Cherry Tomato Seedlings Grown under Various Combined Ratios of Red to Blue LED Lights and Fruit Yield and Quality after Transplanting

The role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in establishment and water balance of tomato seedlings and sweet cherry cuttings in low phosphorous soil

Extreme variability in water availability during the growing season makes cherries more prone to cracking. Therefore, experiments were designed to explore water regulation of mycorrhizal cherry rootstocks and tomato seedlings which may lead to improvements in fruit quality as a result of improved plant function, as well as enhanced growth performance and nutrient uptake. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are obligate mutualists from the Order Glomales and most fruit trees establish associations with AMF naturally when transplanted to the field, particularly in low phosphorous conditions. Although plants benefit from this symbiotic relationship through increased nutrients uptake especially phosphate, management practices influence the presence of mycorrhizal colonization in the field. This project has investigated the early growth rate and establishment of cherry and tomato plants inoculated with Rhizophagus irregularis (syn.Glomus intraradices). After one month of growth, the number of leaves of mycorrhizal tomato seedlings was significantly increased and the height was approximately doubled in response to inoculation compared with non-inoculated tomatoes. In addition, the effect of AM fungi on cutting survival was observed on early growth of cherries, where 65% of inoculated cherry rootstocks survived, compared to 45% of non-mycorrhizal cherries after two months from experiment establishment. The effect of AMF on water uptake is currently being investigated in both sweet cherries and tomatoes to determine how colonization affects water uptake and photosynthesis during periods of drought and excess water conditions.

Growth and antioxidant phenolic compounds in cherry tomato seedlings grown under monochromatic light-emitting diodes

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) can be used in closed-type plant production systems as an artificial light source. Here, we determined the effects of monochromatic LEDs on the growth and production of phenolic antioxidants in cherry tomato seedlings (Solanum lycopersicum L. ‘Cuty’). Two week-old seedlings germinated under normal growing conditions were transplanted into a growth chamber equipped with various monochromatic LEDs and fluorescent lamps (control), and cultivated for 4 weeks. Fresh weights of shoots and roots under LED treatment, especially, red or green, were higher than those under the control light at 4 weeks. The SPAD value of seedlings grown under blue LEDs was significantly lower than in seedlings grown under other LEDs. The plant height, stem length, and internode length of tomato seedlings grown under blue LEDs were the highest. Blue LEDs induced 1.5–2.2-fold higher stem length than red and white LEDs. Expansin gene expression was the highest under blue LEDs, consistent with the effect on stem length. Blue LEDs stimulated the biosynthesis of total phenolics, antioxidants, and total flavonoids in tomato seedlings. Specifically, the antioxidant capacity of seedlings grown under blue LEDs was 2.1-folds higher than that in seedlings grown under green LEDs. Thus, manipulating light quality using LEDs is a crucial factor for growth and antioxidant production in cherry tomato seedlings.

Regulation of the growth and photosynthesis of cherry tomato seedlings by different light irradiations of light emitting diodes (LED)

The growth and photosynthetic characteristics of cherry tomato seedlings were investigated under seven light irradiations such as dysprosium lamps (white light; control, C), red light emitting diodes (LEDs) (R), blue LEDs (B), orange LEDs (O), green LEDs (G), red and blue LEDs (RB) and red, blue and green LEDs (RBG) with the same photosynthetic photon flux density (about 320 μmol m-2 s-1) for 30 days. Morphological appearances of seedlings were significantly different between light treatments, that is, the plants under RB and RBG were shorter and stronger than those under C, while those under O, G and R were higher and weaker. The higher carbohydrate contents were in plants containing blue treatment, B, RB and RBG. Photosynthetic pigments were shown to have significant difference under respective light irradiations of LEDs. The higher photosynthetic pigments were in leaves of seedlings containing blue light treatment, RBG, RB, B, C and G treatments, the lower the pigments were in those with R and O treatments. Net photosynthesis (Pn) was the highest in leaves of seedlings with RB and RBG and the lowest in those with G. Compared with C treatment, light compensation point and light saturation point of seedlings with R, RB and RBG increased, but those with O and G decreased. Electron transport rate (ETR), quantum efficiency of photosystem II photochemistry (ΦPSII), photochemical quenching (qP) and efficiency of excitation energy capture by open PSII reaction centres (Fv′/Fm′) in seedlings with B, RB and RBG treatments were significantly greater than those of the other treatments. Taken together, RB and RBG of LEDs were shown to be beneficial factors for the growth and photosynthesis in cherry tomato seedlings. Key words : Light-emitting diode (LED), light quality, cherry tomato, growth, photosynthetic characteristics.

Regulation of Chloroplast Ultrastructure, Cross-section Anatomy of Leaves, and Morphology of Stomata of Cherry Tomato by Different Light Irradiations of Light-emitting Diodes

The chloroplast structural alteration and the photosynthetic apparatus activity of cherry tomato seedlings were investigated under dysprosium lamp [white light control (C)] and six light-emitting diode (LED) light treatments designated as red (R), blue (B), orange (O), green (G), red and blue (RB), and red, blue, and green (RBG) with the same photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) (≈320 μmol·m−2·s−1) for 30 days. Compared with C treatment, net photosynthesis of cherry tomato leaves was increased significantly under the light treatments of B, RB, and RBG and reduced under R, O, and G. Chloroplasts of the leaves under the RB treatment were rich in grana and starch granules. Moreover, chloroplasts in leaves under RB seemed to be a distinct boundary between granathylakoid and stromathylakoid. Granathylakoid under treatment B developed normally, but the chloroplasts had few starch granules. Chloroplasts under RBG were similar to those under C. Chloroplasts under R and G were relatively rich in starch granules. However, the distinction between granathylakoid and stromathylakoid under R and G was obscure. Chloroplasts under O were dysplastic. Palisade tissue cells in leaves under RB were especially well-developed and spongy tissue cells under the same treatment were localized in an orderly fashion. However, palisade and spongy tissue cells in leaves under R, O, and G were dysplastic. Stomatal numbers per mm2 were significantly increased under B, RB, and RBG. The current results suggested blue light seemed to be an essential factor for the growth of cherry tomato plants.