Salinity distribution pattern induced tomato roots capable of enhancing plant adaptability to salt stress

Salinity is a major abiotic stress threatening tomato production. Roots can attenuate salt stress in a specific salinity concentration, especially with non-uniform salinity distribution conditions are hypothesized to play a role in enhancing tomato plant adaptability to salt stress. However, it is still unclear whether and how root alleviate stress when challenged by salinity distribution. In this study, we set different salinity distribution pattern: uniform salinity distribution (T 1 (0, 0), T 2 (0.2%, 0.2%), T 3 (0.3%, 0.3%)) and non-uniform salinity distribution (T 4 (0.1%, 0.3%), T 5 (0.1%, 0.5%), T 6 (0.2%, 0.4%)), each salinity distribution employed with three levels of concentration, hydroponics method, splitting the roots into left and right parts, and observing whole growth stage. Plant physiological indices responses to salt stress were measured. Studies have indicated that tomato plant roots can attenuate salt stress in a salinity concentration with 0.4%, the non-uniform salinity distribution is capable of restricting the root-uptake, and the uptake efficiency of nutrients (Na + , K + ) fruit yield, fruit flavor and quality were enhanced by non-uniform salinity distribution with certain concentration (T 4 (0.1%, 0.3%)). Moreover, the increased K + lead to the decrease of the Na + /K + ratio, which could reduce the toxicity of salt ion to the plant, and consequently improve the growth of tomato. This research confirms the critical role of salinity distribution in a specific concentration in enhancing tomato plants adaptability to salt stress, providing an overview of the prospects and restriction of nutrients application method to minimize the negative effects of salinity stress.