Pertanika Journal of Tropical Agricultural Science
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Pertanika · Universiti Putra Malaysia Press

Pertanika Journal of Tropical Agricultural Science

Official journal of Universiti Putra Malaysia for peer-reviewed research across tropical agriculture and allied agricultural sciences.

e-ISSN 2231-8542 ISSN 1511-3701
Research article

Effect of Boron Fertilisation and Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) Priming on Fruit and Seed Quality of GM-2 Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Amira Mufida Zharfa, Rudi Hari Murti, and Budiastuti Kurniasih

https://doi.org/10.47836/pjtas.49.2.25
KeywordsBoron fertilisation, fruit quality, GM-2 tomato, seed quality, seedling growth, trisodium phosphate priming
Article content

Abstract

GM-2 is a superior tomato accession originating from Indonesia and exhibiting nematode resistance. A problem with GM-2 tomatoes is poor seed quality. Improvements to fruit and seed quality are needed through boron fertilisation and seed priming with Trisodium Phosphate (TSP). The objectives were to evaluate the effect of boron fertilisation on fruit quality and to assess the combined effect of boron fertilisation and TSP priming on seed quality and seedling growth in GM-2 tomato. The study on boron fertilisation was carried out in Ngablak District, Magelang Regency, Indonesia, from October to December 2023, using a CRD with three replications. Boron fertilisation consisted of 0 and 1.25 g.plant-1. The study on TSP priming was conducted at the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada, from December 2023 to January 2024, using an RCBD factorial with three blocks as replications. TSP concentrations ranged from 0, 5, 10, and 15 g.L-1. The results showed that boron fertilisation significantly increased fruit number and fruit fresh weight by 9.38% and 14.34%, respectively, and improved fruit firmness (5.64%) and seed moisture content (1.02%). TSP concentration significantly influenced seedling growth. The TSP concentration of 15 g.L-1 increased root surface area by 427.27%, root fresh weight by 159.04%, shoot fresh weight by 115.22%, root dry weight by 23.08%, and shoot dry weight by 55.56% compared to without seed priming.  Overall, this study provides practical recommendations: boron fertilisation can improve fruit quality, while TSP priming can improve seedling growth of GM-2 tomato.