Effect of Selenium on Growth and Photosynthetic Properties of Tomato

Selenium (Se) is an essential element for human and livestock with antioxidant and anticancer characteristics. Although Se is not an essential element for plants, it has been reported that it can improve plant growth. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of selenium concentrations in nutrient solution on growth and fruit quality of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). Selenium was added to nutrient solution in 4 concentrations 0, 2, 4, and 6 mg L-1 sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) . Results showed that there was no difference in root dry weight, antioxidant capacity and photosynthetic rate among the treatments. Moreover, fruit weight was the highest in 2 mg L-1 treatment. Overall, Se at 2 mg L-1 application rate was effective in some physiological characteristics of tomato plants

Keywords:

Antioxidant capacity , Hydroponics , Selenium , Tomato