GENETIC, PHYSIOLOGICAL, AND BIOCHEMICAL REACTIONS OF TOMATO TO ORGANIC AND INORGANIC FERTILIZERS ACROSS DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Abstract

The tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is a crop of significant nutritional and economic value, with its development and output greatly affected by nutrient management and environmental factors. This research examines the genetic, physiological, and biochemical responses of several tomato genotypes to organic and inorganic fertilizers under diverse environmental conditions. A two-factor factorial experiment was performed using chosen tomato cultivars to compare the effects of organic fertilizers (compost, farmyard manure) and inorganic fertilizers (NPK) under varying environmental conditions. Results indicated substantial differences across treatments and genotypes. Organic fertilizers enhanced root growth, chlorophyll concentration, and antioxidant enzyme activity, hence improving stress resilience under severe environmental circumstances. Conversely, inorganic fertilizers facilitated fast vegetative development and production under mild circumstances, although were less efficacious in stress-prone situations. Biochemical research revealed increased concentrations of phenolics and flavonoids in plants subjected to organic treatment, indicating improved defensive mechanisms. Genotypic variations significantly influenced nutrition absorption efficiency and stress resilience. The results indicate that combining organic and inorganic fertilization methods, with the selection of sensitive genotypes, may sustainably enhance tomato output across various environmental.