Effect of Glycine Betaine on Morphological and Physiological Attributes of Tomato (<i>Lycopersicon esculentum</i> L.) Cultivars under Saline Conditions

Tomato (Lycopersiconesculentum L.) is a long duration crop belongs to a family Solanaceae. In case of vegetables, tomato is a second major crop, cultivated wide range throughout the world. Although, tomato is moderate sensitive to salinity yet for salinity tolerance more attention is required. More than 30% cultivated land all over the world severely affected by the salinity. In this scenario, experiment was designed to investigate various morphological and physiological aspects of tomato under various salinity levels; different levels of exogenous glycine betaine applications. Study was conducted to reveal the salt tolerance in tomato genotypes. Experiment was performed under controlled condition in the growth chamber of the IHS, UAF. Different concentrations of sodium chloride salt (0, 1.5 and 3 dS m-1) was used for salinity levels. Medium size plastic pots were used for sowing of tomato and sand was used as growing medium. Hoagland solution was applied for nourishment of tomato seedlings. Salinity was applied on 3-4 leaf stage. Then examined the effect of glycine betaine (0, 5, 10 and 15mM) for salt tolerance on tomato cultivars. Data of various attributes was collected and analyzed statistically by appropriate statistical package. Results revealed that tomato growth was negatively affected by the salinity. Morphological attributes and physiological attributes reduced in response to salinity except electrolyte leakage which amplified in salt stress. Exogenous application of glycine betaine promotes the tolerance against the salinity in the tomato genotypes and enhance growth.