A meta‐analysis of salinity stress effects on growth and yield of tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum L.)

ABSTRACT The adverse effects of salt stress on tomatoes have been demonstrated in several studies. Conversely, other research has shown that tomato plants exposed to salinity accumulate higher levels of antioxidants, soluble solids, acids, amino acids, and organic acids. The variability among these studies can be addressed through a meta‐analysis. Plant growth parameters have not been studied previously, making this the first research on the topic. A comprehensive survey of databases and a review of reference lists identified 146 relevant articles. Studies that contained only abstracts, insufficient data, duplicate information, and review articles were excluded. As a result, the meta‐analysis included 12 articles involving a total of 1,204 tomato plants. These studies were analysed to determine whether salinity affects various growth parameters in tomatoes. Analyses were performed using random effects models based on the I‐squared value. The results indicated that plant height, yield, weight and number of fruits were significantly decreased by salinity ( P < 0.001). Salinity adversely affected all growth parameters, particularly affecting fruit number and yield more than plant height and fruit weight. However, in agricultural fields, meta‐analysis has been utilised less frequently, and no studies have examined the effects of salinity stress on tomato growth and yield.