Rapid identification of phosphorus-efficient genotypes from commercially grown tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) varieties in a simulated soil solution

ABSTRACT

This study aimed at developing a successful scheme to identify P-efficient varieties. A simulated soil solution (SSS), comprised of Hoagland solution slightly modified with tri-calcium phosphate (TCP) as the sole P source, was evaluated. The identified SSS was then used to screen P-efficient tomato varieties based on their relative shoot dry biomass in a low P SSS condition (LP). The identified varieties were characterised for their P efficient traits including root characteristics and low-P stress factor (PSF). The nutrient solution with TCP and 15 mM extra CaCl₂ was the best SSS for identifying P-efficient varieties. Among the tested varieties, ‘Japanese Black Trifele Og’ (JBT) and ‘Great White Og’ (GW) were the most P-efficient; ‘Green Tiger’ (GT) and ‘Chefs Choice Orange F1ʹ (CCO) were the least P-efficient varieties. JBT had the greatest relative root morphological traits (root dry mass, length, volume, and fork number) and the lowest PSF (30%). On the contrary, CCO had the greatest PSF (80%) indicating poor performance in LP condition. The selected P-efficient tomato varieties can also be used to identify the P efficiency regulating genes. In the future, improved tomato varieties can be developed through biotechnology and breeding programmes using the identified P-efficient genotypes.

KEYWORDS:

• Commercial tomato variety
• low-P stress factor
• relative biomass
• root morphology
• simulated soil solution

Acknowledgments

This study was financially supported as Early Career Scientist Seed Funding Opportunity by Dean for Research at the University of Florida/IFAS. Professors Ed Hanlon and Don Huber reviewed the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Dean for Research at the University of Florida/IFAS [A-FSEED - FLA-HOS-005208 - in Fund 171].