Effect of foliar spray of chitin nanofiber for growth and yield of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Injudicious use of synthetic fertilizers increases production costs while diminishing output and quality, harming soil health and the environment. Plant growth and development are dependent on the availability of appropriate nutrients and fertilizers. Because of the toxicity of chemical fertilizers in Bangladesh, it is necessary to employ alternative fertilizers in an effective and efficient manner given the current scenario. Chitin and its derivatives, chitin nanofiber (CNF) and chitosan, have been used in agricultural practices for plant defense and increasing yield in recent decades. The aim of this study was to compare the performance between urea and CNF on the growth and yield of BARI tomato 14. The experiment was conducted in Dr. Purnendu Gain Field Laboratory of Khulna University, following a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. The treatments consisted of control, urea (recommended dose), and three concentrations of CNF ( 0.1%, 0.05% and 0.01%). Top dressing of urea and foliar spraying of CNFs were done thrice during the growing period. Foliar application of 0.01% CNF resulted in significantly higher or similar in plant height (cm), number of leaves plant^-1 and, leaf area plant^-1, number of flower plant^-1, number of flower cluster plant^-1, number of flower cluster^-1 , number of fruits plant^-1, fruit yield plant^-1, fruit diameter, fruit length, fruit shape index, individual fruit weight, total fruit weight plant^-1, marketable fruit weight plant^-1, unmarketable fruit weight plant^-1, fruit disorder, chlorophyll content (SPAD) of  plant to urea. The highest yield (81.5 t/ha) was obtained from CNF 2 which was statistically similar with urea (77.5 t/ha). The study concluded that foliar application of 0.01% CNF has a similar effect on growth and yield attributes of tomato. Therefore, 0.01% CNF can be used for growing tomatoes instead of urea.

Keywords: Chitin nanofiber, SPAD meter, growth and yield.

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