Quality Improvement in Tomato through Integrated Application of Nano and Conventional Fertilizers in Mid-Hill Conditions of Himachal Pradesh, India
Shradha Chauhan *
Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (H.P.), India.
Upender Singh
Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (H.P.), India.
Uday Sharma
Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (H.P.), India.
Ritika Gautam
Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (H.P.), India.
Yashika Mandela
Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (H.P.), India.
Naman Pathania
Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (H.P.), India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: The overuse of conventional fertilizers in tomato cultivation has led to reduced nutrient use efficiency and environmental concerns. Integrating nano-fertilizers with conventional sources offers a sustainable approach to enhance fruit quality and nutrient efficiency under field conditions.
Methodology: The present study was conducted to evaluate the impact of integrated application of conventional and nano-fertilizers on the quality parameters of tomato (under field conditions in the mid-hill zone of Himachal Pradesh. The experiment was laid out during the summer season of 2023 in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 11 treatment combinations involving different levels of recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) along with foliar-applied nano-NPK at 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1.0% concentrations. The standard RDF was applied through conventional sources, while nano-NPK was applied at 30 and 60 days after transplanting.
Results: The results revealed significant improvements in fruit quality attributes under integrated nutrient treatments compared to the absolute control and sole RDF. Among all treatments, T7 (80% RDF + 1.0% nano-NPK) recorded the highest total soluble solids (4.56 °B), reducing sugar (2.69%), total sugar (3.55%), antioxidant activity (41.58%), and total chlorophyll content (1.80 mg g⁻¹). The highest ascorbic acid content (83.50 mg 100⁻¹ g) was observed under T4 (80% RDF + 0.5% nano-NPK), indicating improved physiological and biochemical traits. The absolute control (T11) consistently recorded the lowest values across all parameters.
Conclusion: The enhanced performance of integrated treatments may be attributed to improved nutrient use efficiency, greater metabolic activity, and enhanced biosynthesis of primary and secondary metabolites promoted by nano-fertilizer application. The study demonstrates that the conjoint use of nano and conventional fertilizers, particularly at 80% RDF + 1.0% nano-NPK, is an effective and sustainable strategy for improving tomato fruit quality while reducing chemical fertilizer input.
Keywords: Tomato, nano-fertilizer, conventional fertilizer, fruit quality