Evaluation the impact of silicon nanoparticle on growth and water use efficiency of greenhouse tomato in drought stress condition

Summary

This controlled greenhouse experiment evaluated silicon nanoparticles as a mitigation strategy for drought-stressed hydroponic tomato production. Under 70% irrigation (I70) combined with 50 ppm silicon nanoparticles applied via root feeding (I70RN50), water use efficiency increased by 56.3% relative to control, whilst maintaining acceptable fruit quality. The findings suggest that silicon nanoparticles, particularly via root application, can enhance water productivity in resource-constrained greenhouse horticulture.

Regional applicability

The study was conducted under controlled greenhouse conditions using hydroponic systems; direct applicability to United Kingdom field conditions is limited. However, the findings are relevant to UK protected cropping (glasshouse tomato production), where water conservation and drought resilience are increasingly important given climate pressures. The hydroponic methodology and silicon nanoparticle application could be evaluated in UK commercial greenhouse settings.

Key measures

Fruit fresh weight (g), leaf fresh and dry weight (g), stem fresh and dry weight (g), fruit sugar content (Brix), water use efficiency (kg fruit per m³ water), irrigation levels (I100, I85, I70 as % of crop water requirement), silicon nanoparticle concentration (0, 50, 100 ppm), application method (leaf or root feeding)

Outcomes reported

The study measured the effect of silicon nanoparticles (at 0, 50, and 100 ppm) applied via leaf or root feeding on tomato growth parameters (fruit weight, leaf and stem biomass) and water use efficiency under three irrigation regimes (100%, 85%, and 70% of crop water requirement) in hydroponic cultivation. Key outcome variables included fresh and dry biomass, fruit sugar content, and water use efficiency (WUE).

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