Journal of Crop Production and Processing

Salinity is known as one of the most important abiotic factors that limit growth and yield of crop plants. This research was conducted to evaluate the effect of mycorrhiza symbiosis on physiological responses of Solanum lycopersicum against salinity stress. Three Solanum lycopersicum genotypes with and without mycorrhiza fungi and three levels of salinity stress (non-saline (control), mild (4 dSm^-1) and severe saline (7 dSm^-1) were examined in a randomized complete block design in Lisimeter pools in greenhouse condition. Some physiological traits at flowering initiation and yield of the examined genotypes at physiological maturity were estimated. Mycorrhizal symbiosis in the presence of non-saline water led to notable increase in plant dry mass. Severe salinity led to significant increase in colonization percentage. Primo Rio treated with mycorrhiza indicated the greatest leaf and root area and root volume. Non-inoculated plants were proven to contain greater flavonoid contents when grown in the presence of severe salinity. From the gathered data, it can be concluded that mycorrhizal symbiosis may leave positive influence on leaf area (i.e. photosynthetic source) and root area and volume (i.e. leading to  enhancement of mineral absorption), and hence withstanding tomato against salinity stress. Grande op and Primo Rio appeared to be salt-sensitive and salt-tolerant genotypes, respectively.