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Factors effecting the toxicity of nitrite nitrogen to tomatoes

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Abstract

Experiments were done to study the effects of nitrite nitrogen on nutrient absorption and organic acid content of tomatoes (Keystone) grown in sand culture. The effects of root aeration, magnesium and iron supply on the symptoms of nitrite toxicity were also studied. Nutrient solutions were standardised to pH 4.5 and contained from 0–250 ppm nitrite nitrogen.

Increasing the concentration of nitrite nitrogen decreased dry matter yields, total acidity, the concentration of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in tomato plants, and increased the chlorosis of leaves and the lignification of roots.

Shortage of iron, magnesium, and poor root aeration caused toxicity symptoms to appear at a smaller concentration of nitrite nitrogen and increased the severity of the symptoms.

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Author notes

  1. R. H. Phipps

    Present address: , P.O.B. 7084, Kampala, Uganda

Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad

    R. H. Phipps & I. S. Cornforth

  2. Agricultural Chemistry Department, Queen's University, Belfast, Northern Ireland

    I. S. Cornforth

Authors
  1. R. H. Phipps
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  2. I. S. Cornforth
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Phipps, R.H., Cornforth, I.S. Factors effecting the toxicity of nitrite nitrogen to tomatoes. Plant Soil 33, 457–466 (1970). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01378234

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01378234

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