Exogenous application of calcium silicate improves salt tolerance in two contrasting tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) cultivars

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of application of calcium silicate and salinity singly, on plant growth and nutritional behavior and photosynthetic pigments of tomato. Application of sodium chloride (NaCl) induced significant reduction in plant development and growth parameters. Salt stress also led to an accumulation of sodium (Na+) and a decrease in potassium (K+) concentration. Reduction of chlorophyll and carotenoid in leaves were amongst other symptoms in salt-affected plants in 2 cultivars. Rio Grande was qualified as salt sensitive and Moneymaker as the salt tolerant genotype. Application of Silicon (Si) only improved plant behaviour as compared to control. Furthermore, Si induced ameliorative effects on the growth potential of NaCl stressed plants. This Si-ameliorative effect on plant varied depending on the considered cultivar and Si concentration. Based on these results, application of calcium silicate was suggested as an alternative way to ameliorate the harmful effects of salinity on tomato.