The effects of different nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium fertilizer application on tomato seed properties

High Nitrogen Fertilization Decreases Seed Weight but Increases Longevity in Tomato Seeds

“…Increases in tomato seed yield in plants exposed to low-to-medium N fertilization have been previously reported [5,30], but no evidence was found in the literature regarding tomato seed yield under high N fertilization. Tomato seed weight increases with increasing N fertilization [5], but beyond some thresholds (180 kg N ha −1 or 20 mM N) TSW drops [6,7]. This effect is related to an osmotic effect that limits the export of carbohydrates to the seeds, as previously reported in lettuce [8].…”

“…Standard germination is the most commonly-applied seed physiological quality test because of its reproducibility [31,32]. Several studies in tomato plants have evaluated the effect of N fertilization on physiological germination (radicle protrusion), reporting that both high and absent N fertilization rates negatively affect germination [6,7]. However, the results of this research show no significant effect of N fertilization on standard or physiological germination in water, suggesting that both attributes are insensitive to large variations in N rate supply.…”

“…Increases in TSW with increasing N fertilization have also been reported in other studies. For instance, Eryuce and Aydin [6] observed that an increase in tomato TSW occurred between 0 and 180 kg N ha −1 , but as fertilization increased to 240 kg N ha −1 , TSW decreased. Similarly, increasing nitrate concentration in the nutrient solution for tomato cv.…”

“…With regard to the effect of N fertilization on seed quality, a decrease in standard germination has been observed in species such as lettuce and tomato when overfertilization occurred [6,8]. Moreover, absence of nitrate in the fertilization of Arabidopsis and tomato plants has been reported to cause a decrease in standard germination [7,9].…”

“…The effect of 2 of 12 N fertilization on seed vigor has been studied with two main approaches: germination rate and germination under adverse conditions. First, in lettuce [8] and the tomato [6], germination rate reduction has been reported under conditions of N overfertilization. Secondly, germination under adverse conditions (salt, mannitol, abscisic acid, high temperature) has been increased in seed produced with higher N fertilization in Arabidopsis [9] and tomato [7].…”