The adverse effects of salinity are attributed to increased Na⁺ and decreased K⁺, Ca²⁺ and NO₃^-. Potassium being a major plant nutrient, salinity induced K⁺ deficiency is a serious concerned. While the soil K may be adequate, the plants require additional    Potash supplement under saline stress condition. In present study, the tomato plants were exposed to 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mM NaCl stress and supplemental potash (220 kg ha^-1) was applied from two sources i.e. Potassium Sulphate (SOP) and Potassium Chloride (MOP) against control (No supplemental potash). Application of supplemental potash at each levels of salinity, resulted in lower Na⁺, higher K⁺, thus lowered the Na⁺/K⁺ ratio, and decreased proline accumulation and improved the yield as well as lowered the blossom end rot incidence as compared to no supplemental potash treatments. While comparing the sources of supplemental K⁺, SOP was more effective than MOP in enhancing K⁺ accumulation, proline synthesis, ion leakage and decreasing blossom end rot incidence. It is concluded that the detrimental effects of salinity could be ameliorate through potassium sulphate supplementation in tomato crop.

Index Terms: Salinity, Potassium Chloride, Potassium Sulphate, Proline, Ion Leakage.