BIOMASS, GAS EXCHANGE AND PRODUCTION OF CHERRY TOMATO CULTIVATED UNDER SALINE WATER AND NITROGEN FERTILIZATION1

Cherry tomato cultivation in the semi-arid region of northeastern Brazil is limited by water scarcity, so it is common to use water sources with high concentrations of salts in this region, which have a deleterious effect on plants, which can be alleviated through management strategies, and fertilization with nitrogen stands out. This study aimed to evaluate the growth, gas exchange and production of cherry tomato under irrigation with saline water and nitrogen fertilization. The experiment was carried out in a screened environment at the CCTA/UFCG in Pombal - PB from October 2020 to February 2021, using a randomized block design, in a 5 Chi 5 factorial scheme, with five levels of electrical conductivities of water - ECw (0.3; 1.3; 2.3; 3.3 and 4.3 dS m(-1)) and five nitrogen doses - ND (50; 75; 100; 125 and 150% of the recommended dose for the crop), with three replicates. Irrigation water salinity from 0.3 dS m-1 reduced stomatal conductance, transpiration, CO2 assimilation rate and production components of cherry tomato. Nitrogen fertilization from 50% of the recommendation reduced stomatal conductance, transpiration and CO2 assimilation rate of cherry tomato. Irrigation with water of electrical conductivity from 0.3 dS m(-1) associated with nitrogen dose of 150% of the recommendation intensified the effect of salt stress on dry biomass accumulation in cherry tomato.

Automated summary

The study showed that irrigation with saline water and nitrogen fertilization have significant effects on the growth and production of cherry tomatoes in the semi-arid region, with the selection of salinity and nitrogen concentration impacting the growth conditions and yield performance of cherry tomatoes.