The Macroalgal Biostimulant Improves the Functional Quality of Tomato Fruits Produced from Plants Grown under Salt Stress

Abstract

Among the most perilous factors affecting tomato plant functioning and yield is salinity. The efficacy of halotolerant marine macroalgal extract of Chaetomorpha antennina (Seaweed Extract—SWE) in mitigating the toxic effects of salt stress (150 mM) in tomato plants to promote and enhance both plant functionality and yield was tested. It was evident that salt stress undesirably affected germination and plant growth in terms of quality and quantity. Treatment with SWE improved the functionality of salt-strained tomato plants by enhancing their germination indexes, growth and morphological traits, and photosynthetic pigments, as well as protein and phenol concentrations. SWE also exerted a positive influence on protecting the plant against salt stress by increasing the synthesis and accumulation of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase and lipoxygenase enzymes, along with the contents of lycopene and vitamin C. SWE also increased the nutraceutical quality, flavour and organolepty of emerged tomato fruits. GCMS analysis of fruit pericarp showed increased siloxane, phenol, antioxidant and indole acetic acid compounds, along with aromatic benzene compounds. These results indicate the potentiality of SWE in protecting plants against salt stress induced toxicities by prompting the synthesis of protective compounds such as siloxane and antioxidant enzymes. It was also noted that SWE plays a crucial role in promoting plant growth and survivability by improving plant functionality, yield and nutrition, by promoting cultivation in saline soils in an eco-friendly and sustainable manner.