Effects of rootstock and thinning on yield,fruit quality and elemental composition of ‘Redspur Delicious’ apple

Abstract

Influence of two rootstocks and five levels of hand thinning (fruit spacing) on yield, fruit quality at harvest and after storage, and leaf and fruit elemental composition of ‘Redspur Delicious’ apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) were studied. Trees on M.7 rootstock had a higher yield with heavier and firmer fruit at harvest than those on M.26. Trees on M.7 had significantly lower leaf and fruit N which resulted in a darker fruit color than those on M.26 rootstock. Fruit from trees on M.26 had a higher soluble solids concentration (SSC) at harvest than those on M.7. Leaf and fruit potassium (K) increased but fruit calcium (Ca) decreased with an increase in fruit spacing. Thinning fruit to 10 cm or 18 cm spacing, depending on market demand for fruit size, is recommended for improvement of fruit quality. Fruit weight and quality was improved with 18 cm fruit spacing without a significant decrease in yield, while thinning fruit further than 18 cm apart reduced yield without a significant change in the fruit weight or quality.     

Influence of mid‐summer boron sprays on boron content and quality indices of ‘delicious’ Apple 1

Boron (B) is required for optimal yield and quality of apple fruit (Malus domestica Borkh.) but may impair fruit quality if present in excessive amounts. A field experiment was conducted to examine the effects of a single mid‐July foliar B spray (0, 11.3, 22.6 g B/tree) on the B content and postharvest quality indices of 220‐gram ‘Starking Delicious’ apples. Fruit B concentration was positively related to B application rate and ranged from 9 to 55 mg/kg dry mass (1.3 to 7.7 mg/kg fresh mass). The relative B increases were greater in the core and inner cortex than in the outer cortex and skin, suggesting that some of the applied B entered the fruit through the tree vascular system. Increasing fruit B concentrations caused minor changes in fruit external color indices L and b and internal color index b but had no effect on firmness, soluble solids concentration, titratable acidity, starch index, external color index a, or internal color indices L and a. None of the effects were of horticultural significance. Most fruit quality indices were influenced by postharvest sampling time and reflected typical postharvest ripening patterns. The results suggest that ‘Delicious’ apple quality is relatively insensitive to high fruit B concentrations.     

Evaluation of cultivation methods and sustainable agricultural practices for improving shallot bulb production – a review

Abstract

Shallot is an economically important nutritive bulb vegetable and medicinal plant from Alliaceae family. Distributed in limited regions worldwide, in most cases, shallots widely grow in very cold to moderate cold temperate climates at high elevations required to induce bolting and overcome their bulbs and true seeds dormant period. Shallot responses to agricultural management and environmental conditions vary among different species and genotypes and, thus, selection of the elite genotypes is a prerequisite for obtaining desired yield and quality of bulbs and true seeds. Plant material (seed or bulb), plant selection, as well as cultivation and agricultural practices (importantly fertilization, spacing, planting date, and irrigation in greenhouse or farmland) critically affect productivity, phytonutrient value, and economic profit of the shallot produces. The knowledge of using biofertilizers and mulching techniques on shallots are currently evolving, but the information on the efficiency of nanobiofertilizers and eco-friendly and biodegradable mulching materials on shallots farming are still lacking. With the emphasis on sustainable agricultural systems, the efficiency of combined organic and inorganic fertilization is discussed and the potential biofertilizer agents are recommended. This review highlights the importance of using the integrated fertilization (organic and inorganic methods combined with biofertilizers) and irrigation methods (such as two-line spray hose irrigation combined with mulching), and the practices with the highest potential to further improve shallot farming are suggested. The information on shallots breeding is still lacking and requires extensive researches in the future.     

Potassium and sodium fertilization affects leaf nutrient content and growth of ‘Shawnee’ blackberry

Aluminum (Al) has many detrimental effects on plant growth, and shoots and roots are normally affected differently. A study was conducted to determine differences among sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] genotypes with broad genetic backgrounds for growth traits of plants grown at 0,200,400,600, and 800 μM Al in nutrient solutions (pH 4.0). Genotypes were categorized into “Al‐sensitive”, “intermediate Al‐tolerant”, “Al‐tolerant”, and SC 283 (an Al‐tolerant standard). As Al increased, shoot and root dry matter (DM), net main axis root length (NMARL), and total root length (TRL) became lower than controls (0 Al). Aluminum toxicity and/or nutrient deficiency symptoms become more severe, and shoot to root DM ratios and specific RL (TRL/root DM) values also changed as Al in solution increased. Root DM had greater changes among genotypes than shoot DM, and NMARL at 400 μM Al, and TRL at 200 μM Al had greater differences among genotypes than root DM, ratings for toxicity and/or deficiency symptoms, and other DM and RL traits. The wide differences among genotypes for NMARL and TRL could be used more effectively to evaluate sorghum genotypes for tolerance to Al toxicity than the other growth traits.     

Influence of nitrogen on leaf chlorophyll content and photosynthesis of ‘Golden Delicious’ apple

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to estimate the influence of different rates of soil-applied nitrogen on leaf N and chlorophyll content and photosynthesis in ‘Golden Delicious’ apple trees. Three different treatments were included: the trees were either fertilized with 80 kg N ha^?1 (N-80), 250 kg N ha^?1 (N-250) or left unfertilized (CON). Fertilization increased leaf nitrogen content, with a more prominent effect in high N application level treatment. In all treatments, a slight seasonal decrease in leaf nitrogen content was observed. N-250 treatment resulted in higher chlorophyll content; a similar effect was found late in the season for N-80 treatment. Measurements of A-C _i curves, performed on spur leaves, revealed a higher CO₂ saturated photosynthetic rate in N-250 trees compared with low application level fertilized or unfertilized trees. No effect of N fertilization on carboxylation efficiency was found, as revealed by comparisons of the initial slopes of A-C _i curves. The lack of positive effect is rather surprising, since the leaf N content was efficiently increased with application of fertilizer. Obviously, the existing pool of leaf nitrogen in non-fertilized trees does not limit Rubisco activity and efficiency.     

Influence of different calcium materials and spray timing on mineral composition,yield, fruit quality,and control of fruit disorders of ‘anjou’ pears

During a six‐year period (1980, 1985–1989), 20 different calcium (Ca) materials were sprayed at an early (3X; June to July), late (3X; July to August), and an early plus late (5X; June to August) timing on 25‐year‐old ‘Anjou’ pear (Pyrus communis L.) trees. Calcium chloride (CaCl₂) sprays increased fruit Ca in the cortex by an average of 10.5% greater than in unsprayed controls and cork spot was reduced by an average of six‐fold. Yield from trees sprayed with Ca materials averaged greater than 13% more crop load than the unsprayed control trees. Leaf and fruit injury from CaCl₂ sprays in 1980 were near borderline acceptability, but injury was reduced slightly by halving the spray concentration rate to 681 g CaCl₂ per 379 liters of water in 1985 to 1989. Due to temperatures above 26°C, leaf and fruit injury from Ca sprays, particularly calcium nitrate [Ca(NO₃)₂], were more severe for the late or early plus late sprays than for the early sprays. Fruit size was slightly larger on trees sprayed only three times (early or late sprays) versus trees sprayed five times during the season (early plus late sprays). Best control of cork spot occurred with early plus late sprays. Best control of alfalfa greening and black end occurred with late or early plus late sprays. The importance of fruit Ca for controlling cork spot is illustrated when triiodobenzoic acid (TIBA) was sprayed on trees which resulted in reduced fruit Ca and increased incidence of fruit disorders, alfalfa greening, black end, and cork spot. Sprays containing nitrates or sulfates were frequently associated with a higher incidence of fruit disorders. Although fruit quality was not significantly influenced by Ca treatments or spray time, it was related to Ca in fruit peel or cortex due to annual variations in Ca concentrations.     

Whole fruit mineral element content and respiration rates of harvested ‘delicious’ apples

Whole fruit mineral element analysis is used commercially in Great Britain to predict postharvest apple fruit quality and storage life. Similar commercial programs are under development in Washington State; however, mineral element concentration guidelines are not available for important Washington‐grown cultivars. The current study used fruit respiration rate as a criterion for evaluating optimal whole fruit mineral element concentration. ‘Wellspur Delicious’ apple trees (Malus domestica Borkh.) were treated with four biweekly sprays of D, 4.1 and 13.5 kg CaCl₂/ha. Fruit of uniform diameter (7.65 to 8.05 cm) were harvested. Four intact single‐fruit samples per treatment were placed into individual respiration chambers maintained at 20°C. Humidified CO₂‐free air was continuously pumped into the chambers. Evolved C0₂ was trapped in NaOH and analyzed by titration. Evolution of C0₂ was measured for 38 days after which the fruits were analyzed for whole fruit Ca, N, Mg, P and K concentrations. The C0₂ evolution data was analyzed by linear regression to generate average respiration rates. The preharvest CaCl₂ spray treatments did not influence whole fruit Ca concentrations or respiration rates. The respiration rates were not influenced by mineral element concentration or selected ratios of concentrations. The Ca concentrations in the fruit (> 300 mg/kg dry mass) appear to have been sufficiently high to produce uniform low respiration rates and to mask possible influences of the other elements. The results suggest that whole fruit mineral element analysis may not be a sensitive indicator of average respiration rates of ‘Delicious’ apples during ripening.     

Application of henriksen's ‘acidification indicator’ and ‘predictor nomograph’ to two adirondack lakes

During the period 1977–1980 we studied the effects of highly acidic precipitation (mean pH 4.1 to 4.2) on the chemistry of three Adirondack lakes: Woods Lake, Panther Lake, and Sagamore Lake. Two of these lakes (Woods and Panther) are enough like those lakes of southern Sweden and Norway studied by Henriksen that they should constitute a valid test of his ‘acidification indicator’ and ‘predictor homograph’. In our comparison we used data from weekly samples taken near the surface of the lakes during unstratified summer and fall conditions over a 3 yr period. The acidification indicator and predictor nomograph were developed using data from lake samples taken under similar conditions in Scandinavia. Our principal finding is that with regard to the empirical line of the acidification indicator (that Henriksen found separated data from lakes receiving precipitation greater or less than pH 4.6) and with the precipitation pH axis of the predictor nomograph, these two methods of evaluation are not directly applicable ‘as is’ to our lakes. The reason for this is that the chemistry of precipitation in the Adirondacks is significantly different from (and for) which the acidification indicator and predictor nomograph were developed. In the Adirondacks, acids other than H₂SO₄ play a much greater role in the overall acidity of the precipitation. This causes relationships between precipitation pH and lake chemistry in the two regions to be different.     

Effect of calcium spray materials,rate, time of spray application,and rootstocks on fruit quality of ‘red’ and ‘golden delicious’ apples

Calcium (Ca) spray materials improved fruit quality as measured by control of bitter pit, fruit finish (appearance), increased red skin color, reduced incidence of scald, increased juiciness, texture, and fruit firmness of ‘Red’ and ‘Golden Delicious’ apples (Malus domestica, Borkh.). Concentrations of Ca in leaf and fruit tissues were increased by Ca sprays, especially calcium chloride (CaCl₂)‐containing spray materials. Improved fruit firmness and control of bitter pit occurred for either standard recommended or high rates of Ca spray materials. At high rates of application, the only significant difference that occurred between early and late applications of Ca spray materials was that less leaf injury occurred with the early applications. Unsprayed ‘Red Delicious’ fruit from M.7 rootstocks had greater fruit peel Ca concentrations and a lower incidence of bitter pit but smaller fruit than fruit from trees on M.26 rootstocks. The above information is strong evidence that Ca sprays are important for the improvement of apple quality.     

Nitrogen,calcium, and magnesium fertilization affects growth and leaf elemental content of ‘dormanred’ raspberry

’Dormanred’ raspberry (Rubus species) plants grown in sand culture were subjected to varying concentrations of N, Ca, and Mg over a two‐year period. Increasing nitrogen fertilization resulted in linear reductions of leaf Ca, K, Zn, Fe, and Mn but did not affect leaf Mg. Leaf Ca and K increased linearly with Ca fertilization, but applied Ca had an antagonistic influence on leaf Mg. Magnesium fertilization had a positive influence on leaf Mg but negatively affected leaf K, Ca, and Mn. Plant growth was negatively correlated with leaf Ca and leaf K, but had a positive correlation with leaf Mg and Mn. Nitrogen fertilization increased plant growth up to the mid‐level of applied N, but additional N reduced plant growth.     

Evaluation of four different crops’ sensitivity to sulfosulfuron and tribenuron methyl soil residues

ABSTRACT

On the basis of greenhouse bioassays, the sensitivities of root and shoot biomass of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), corn (Zea mays L.), oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) and sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) to soil-incorporated sulfosulfuron and tribenuron methyl were assessed. Shoot and root biomass production was measured 30 days after emergence. Plant responses, including roots and shoots dry weight per pot, were described by a three parameter log-logistic regression model as a function of sulfosulfuron or tribenuron methyl doses and the relative sensitivities were calculated at the various ED-levels with their associated 95% confidence intervals. The most precise ED-levels were that at ED₅₀ and sensitivity rank was oilseed rape, sugar beet, corn and barley, whatever the chosen response level and herbicide. We calculated relative sensitivities at ED₁₀, ED₅₀ and ED₉₀ for the species of barley, the most tolerant crop, as reference. Comparison of relative sensitivity of crops to both herbicides showed that the sensitivity of these crops was much larger for tribenuron methyl than for sulfosulfuron. Oilseed rape was the most sensitive species (ED₅₀?=?0.202 and 0.179?µg?kg^?1 soil for root dry weight (RDW) response to sulfosulfuron and tribenuron methyl, respectively) while barley was the most tolerant one (ED₅₀?=?1.008 and 3.68?µg?kg^?1soil for RDW response to sulfosulfuron and tribenuron methyl, respectively). Sugar beet and corn had intermediate sensitivity. Also, we demonstrated how important it is to show the confidence intervals of relative sensitivities. In several instances the relative sensitivities, even numerically large, were not significantly different from 1.00. We demonstrate that classifying biotypes as resistant to a herbicide requires the threshold of resistance/susceptible (R/S) of 4.00 only be accepted if confidence intervals do not cover 1.00.     

Preparations of plant origin enhance carbohydrate content in plant tissues of rooted cuttings of rambler roses: Rosa beggeriana ‘Polstjärnan’ and Rosa helenae ‘Semiplena’

During rhizogenesis, carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the plant tissues. It has been hypothesised that phenological phase of the shoot plays a major role in plant's response to rooting stimulants and affects the cuttings’ carbohydrate content. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of phenological phase of the shoots and the use of rooting stimulants of plant origin on the relationship between rooting abilities and the carbohydrate content in leaves and stems of cuttings. Single-node stem cuttings of Rosa beggeriana ‘Polstjärnan’ and Rosa helenae ‘Semiplena’ were harvested from shoots in four phenological stages: flower buds closed (P1), flowers open (P2), immediately after petal shedding (P3), and 7–14 days after petal fall (P4). The following rooting enhancers were used: 0.4% indole butyric acid (IBA) (Ukorzeniacz Aaqua); 0.2% naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) (Ukorzeniacz Baqua); Bio Rhizotonic; and Root Juice?; Bio Roots. Controls included untreated cuttings. The contents of reducing and total soluble carbohydrates in leaves and shoots were estimated before and after rooting. The rooting percentage and rooting degree were determined. A relatively high or moderate natural rooting ability without any treatment were shown by R. beggeriana ‘Polstjärnan’ in 63.8%–87.5% and by R. helenae ‘Semiplena’ in 41.3%–72.5% cuttings. IBA and NAA decreased the mean rooting percentage in ‘Polstjärnan’, but increased it for P4 cuttings in ‘Semiplena’. None of the preparations had any impact on the degree of rooting. The mean level of total soluble and reducing sugars in leaves and stems of cuttings before rooting was lower than that of after root formation. The preparations of plant origin positively affected rhizogenesis and sugar contents in plant tissues, but their effect depended on shoot's phenological phase and cultivar. Plant origin preparations may successfully replace those containing IBA or NAA.     

Cold tolerance,yield, and fruit quality of ‘d'Anjou’ pears influenced by nitrogen fertilizer rates and time of application

Low and moderate rates of ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO₃) fertilizer were applied in late winter or late summer to mature ‘d'Anjou’ pear (Pyrus communis, L.) trees (planted 1963, 1965) from 1976 to 1994. Data on cold tolerance, nutrition, yield and fruit quality in relation to nitrogen (N) fertilization were collected between 1980 and 1988. Early autumn cold tolerance was higher for trees receiving low N rates versus moderate N rates in either late winter or late summer. In late autumn and early winter, cold tolerance increased for all trees, and little difference in winter hardiness existed for any N treatment. By mid‐winter, cold tolerance was higher for trees receiving the moderate rate of N in late winter versus low N in late summer. Cold tolerance was relatively high throughout autumn and winter freeze‐test periods for trees fertilized with low N in late winter. Tree vigor, fruit size, leaf N, and fruit N were highest for trees receiving the late winter, moderate rate of N. Yield was lowest, but fruit firmness, fruit quality and fruit calcium (Ca) concentrations were highest for trees treated with the late winter, low rate of N. The incidence of cork spot was lower from trees with the late winter, low N treatment than for the late summer, moderate N‐treated trees.     

Different K:Ca ratios affected fruit color and quality of strawberry ‘Selva’ in soilless system

High quality fruit production is the cornerstone of marketability. Optimum plant performance depends on the balanced and timely availability of mineral nutrients. In addition to element concentrations, the ratio of nutrient elements in solution plays a determinative role in growth, productivity, quality, and nutrients uptake. In this experiment, the effects of different Potassium:Calcium (K:Ca) ratios (1.6, 1.4, 1.2, 1, 0.85, and 0.6) in nutrient solution were studied on quality attributes of strawberry ‘Selva’. The highest and lowest leaf number and leaf area were observed in K:Ca 1.4 and 1, respectively. The highest fruit pH, electrical conductivity, total soluble solids/titratable acidity ratio, vitamin C content, ellagic acid, and color were resulted in K:Ca (1.4) ratio. K:Ca (1.6) ratio produced the highest content of protein. Moreover, K:Ca (0.85) ratio was the most effective treatment on fruit firmness. The increased quality attributes were observed in high K:Ca ratios, hence low K:Ca ratio resulted in increased fruit firmness. In conclusion, nutrient solution containing K:Ca ratios between 1 and 1.6 were suitable for producing strawberry ‘Selva’. Taken together, K:Ca (1.4) was an appropriate ratio for producing strawberry ‘Selva’ in soilless culture with coconut fiber: perlite medium.     

Nutritional status of ‘Hass’ and ‘Fuerte’ avocado (Persea americana Mill.) plants subjected to high soil moisture

Abstract

In this study, the effect of increased soil moisture on the nutritional status of two key commercial avocado (Persea americana Μill.) cultivars, ‘Fuerte’ and ‘Hass’, was examined. The results revealed that prolonged exposure of plants to high soil water content conditions (waterlogging) reduced the total nutrient content (absolute quantity) of almost all of the nutrients in scion’s tissues (leaves and stems) of both cultivars. The decrease of nutrient content in the ‘Fuerte’ leaves was more prominent/severe compared to the ‘Hass’ leaves, which could be the outcome of the reported higher sensitivity of the cultivar to soil waterlogged conditions in previous studies. Interestingly, the inability of ‘Fuerte’ avocado plants to withstand high soil moisture conditions was not reflected in the relative concentrations of most nutrients, both in leaves and stems. Indeed, significantly higher concentrations of P, K, B, Fe, and Zn were found in the leaves of ‘Fuerte’ waterlogged plants than in well-watered ones. This fact reveals that under marginal/stressful conditions, like waterlogging, nutrient concentration in tissues does not reflect potential negative effects on total nutrient uptake of avocado plants, obviously due to concentrated nutrient phenomena primarily created by the stress-dependent growth inhibition. Therefore, total nutrient content is proposed as a more representative indicator for assessing plant response to waterlogged conditions.     

Effect of applying calcium chloride and three milk supplements to poinsettia ‘Prestige Red’

Some poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd. ex Klotzsch) cultivars are susceptible to bract calcium (Ca) deficiency in developing bracts. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of foliar uptake of Ca from milk-based products plus calcium chloride (CaCl₂) as a potential Ca source. Weekly foliar applications of 237 mL L^?1 whole milk, 80 mL L^?1 powdered milk, 30 mL L^?1 condensed milk, 0.94 g L^?1 CaCl₂, or distilled water (used as a control) were applied to runoff of ‘Prestige Red’ for four weeks. The four largest bracts with petioles on three different inflorescences and three leaves with petioles below the transitional leaf per inflorescence were collected per pot. None of the treatments affected bract or leaf Ca concentration. Powdered milk treatments resulted in a higher concentration of zinc (Zn) in bracts and aluminum (Al) in bracts and leaves. White residue remained on the bracts and leaves after treatment with powdered milk, which would reduce marketability.     

Effect of calcium sprays,time of harvest,cold storage,and ripeness on fruit quality of ‘anjou’ pears 1

Calcium chloride (CaCl₂), increased Ca concentrations in fruit cortex and peel of ‘Anjou’ pears (Pyrus communis L.). Calcium sprays reduced the fruit disorders: brown core, cork spot and superficial scald. Fruit size (weight) increased while fruit Ca concentrations decreased with fruit at the later harvest dates. The earliest harvest date was associated with a lower incidence of fruit disorders. Superficial scald increased in fruit held longer in cold storage and in ripened fruit. Shelf‐life and fruit quality of Ca‐sprayed fruit was improved due to higher Ca concentrations in fruit peel and cortex resulting in overall enhancement of fruit appearance, and in improvement in the control of the incidences of cork spot, scald, brown core, and external and internal rots, and in amelioration of fruit juiciness and fruit color.     

Application of soil amendments to contaminated soils for heavy metal immobilization and improved soil quality—a critical review

ABSTRACT

Today, soil metal pollution has become a significant environmental issue of great public concern. This is because soil is both a major sink for heavy metal(loid)s (HMs) released into the environment, by both pedogenic and anthropogenic activities; and also a major source of food chain contamination mainly through plant uptake and animal transfer. In addition, HM contamination of soil leads to negative impacts on soil characteristics and function by disturbing both soil biological and physiochemical properties (e.g. extreme soil pH, poor soil structure and soil fertility and lack of soil microbial activity). This eventually leads to decreased crop production. Various soil remediation techniques have been successfully employed to reduce the risks associated with HMs efflux into soil. Among these, the use of low-cost and environmentally safe inorganic and organic amendments for the in-situ immobilization of HMs has become increasingly popular. Immobilization agents have successfully reduced the availability of metal ions through a variety of adsorption, complexation, precipitation, and redox reactions. Soil amendments can also be a source of nutrients and thus can also act as a soil conditioner, improving the soil’s physiochemical properties and fertility, resulting in enhanced plant establishment in metal contaminated soils. This article critically reviews the use of immobilizing agents in HM contaminated agricultural and mining soils paying particular attention to metal immobilization chemistry and the effects of soil amendments on common soil quality parameters.     

Changes in plant growth substances,contents and flower quality of rose cv. ‘Dolce Vita’ in response to nitrogen sources under soilless culture conditions

The aim of this study was to investigate the biochemical responses and vase life of rose cut flowers under different ratios of NO₃:NH₄:urea in soilless culture. In this study, urea was used as the source of nitrogen (N) in solution cultures. For this purpose, an experiment was conducted as completely randomized design with seven ratios of N forms and three replications. The rooted cuttings of rose cv Dolce Vita were supplied with seven different ratios of NO₃^?:NH₄⁺:urea (100:0:0, 70:15:15, 50:25:25, 50:0:50, 0:0:100, 50:50:0 and 0:100:0). Results showed that with the increase in urea and ammonium concentrations, the amounts of cuttings IAA, GA₃, zeatin, ABA and polyamines contents decreased significantly. Plants fertigated with nutrient solution containing NO₃^?:NH₄⁺:urea (50:25:25) had the highest concentrations of growth regulators, the highest stalk length and flower vase life. As the ammonium ratios in the nutrient solution increased, the flower vase life decreased significantly. It was concluded that using NO₃^?:NH₄⁺:urea at the ratio of 50:25:25 had the highest effects on improving the rose cut flowers quality by affecting plants growth regulators and can be recommended for cut rose production in soilless culture systems.     

Effects of NaCl salinity on miniature dwarf tomato ‘Micro‐Tom’: I. Growth analyses and nutrient composition 1

The growth and nutrient composition of miniature dwarf tomato selection Lycopersicon esculentum ’Micro‐Tom’ plants grown from seedling to harvest in solution batch culture at four different NaCl salinity levels (2.4 [control, no NaCl], 7.6, 12.8, or 18 dS‐m^‐1 solution conductivities) was studied. Specific leaf area and relative growth rate generally decreased with increased NaCl. Shoot‐root, root mass, and leaf area ratios initially increased but later resumed control values. Although reduction in leaf area in response to higher NaCl was noted at 4 weeks, leaf and root dry mass was not significantly reduced until 12 weeks. At 12 weeks, enhanced carbohydrate partitioning toward shoot vegetative growth was observed in the highest NaCl level as reduced harvest index and increased leaf and stem mass ratios. An immediate proportional increase in leaf Na and decrease in Ca occurred with solution NaCl concentration. Although leaf K declined significantly between 4 and 8 weeks, there were no differences between treatments. Cu and Zn content escalated with increasing NaCl, with Zn increasing three fold between the lowest and highest NaCl levels.