Potential Effects of Salt Stress on Selected Solanaceous Crops (Tomato [Solanum esculentum L.] and Hot Pepper [Capsicum annuum L.]) Production

Abstract

Tomato (Solanum esculentum L.) and Hot pepper (Capsicum annum L.) are vegetables categorized under the solanaceae family grown best around the warmer climate area of the world. However, their production and productivities have been challenged by biotic and abiotic factors like salinity stresses. The salinity stress is occurred mainly due to the presence of higher Na⁺ and Cl^- ions concentrations in the soil which has been developed through frequent uses of poor-quality irrigation water and application of an excessive mineral fertilizers for a longer period on the arable land. The salinity stress affected about 20% of the total cultivated land and 30% of irrigated agricultural land areas and it will be expected to rise to 50% in 2050 in the global. This stress degrades the fertile agricultural lands and causes direct and indirect impacts on the growth and development as well as productivities of the crops. Thus, it reduces the water potential and causes ion imbalance or disturbances in ion homeostasis that causes ionic toxicity by altering the water status leading to crops' initial growth reduction. Crops differ in their ability to grow successfully under saline conditions and to accumulate high concentrations of salts in their tissues. However, tomato and hot pepper are moderately susceptible solanaceous crops to the salinity stresses. The stress mainly affects their leaf stomatal conductance by reducing the normal photosynthetic rate that directly affects the crop dry matter accumulation and reduces the yield. It further affects the speed and rate of seed germination, the crops growth and developments, root-to-shoot ratio, biomass weight, Na⁺/K⁺ ratio (increases) and the final yield qualities and quantities. However, the increment of salinity stress to these crops can enhance the fruit total soluble solids (TSS). Thus, this pepper is aimed to review the current potential effects of salinity stress on selected solanaceous crops (tomato and hot pepper) production.

Keywords: Developments; Growth; Ionic Toxicity; NaCl; Salt concentration; Salt stress; Yield

DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/13-14-03

Publication date:August 31^st 2023