Beneficial effect of titanium on plant growth, photosynthesis and nutrient trait of tomato cv. Foria

Titanium is a beneficial element for plant since its promotive effect on plant metabolism has been well documented. However, the physiological role of this trace element in tomato is not clear. This experiment was conducted as a complete randomized design to study two concentrations of titanium (1 and 2 mg/L Ti) and 0 as control on physiological and nutrient properties of tomato cv. Foria with 4 replications. Plant growth (fresh and dry weight, root volume and flower number), greeness Index (SPAD value), photosynthesis and nutrient parameters of tomato were evaluated. The result of nutrient use efficacy (NUE) showed that NUE of K, Ca and Mn improved by Ti supplementation and Zn use efficiency decreased by increasing Ti concentration. The earliest flower induction was observed at 2 mg/L Ti. Root volume increased by both Ti concentration and root fresh weight increased at 2 mg/L Ti. Greeness Index (SPAD value) and PWUE were not influenced by Ti application. Results showed that photosynthesis rate increased by increasing Ti concentration. Transpiration was reduced at the highest Ti concentration. Based on the results, Ti increased plant growth and photosynthesis through increasing nutrient uptake and nutrient use efficiency.