Effect of Long Chain Fatty Alcohol in a Nutrient Solution on Growth of Tomato Seedlings in a Closed Transplant Production System

Abstract

The effect of long chain fatty alcohol (LCFA) in a nutrient solution on the growth of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) seedlings was investigated under various controlled environmental conditions in a closed transplant production system. In 128-cell trays with LCFA solution, root dry weight increased by 18 to 30% compared to the control. This indicated that treating the LCFA solution in the closed transplant production system could promote root growth. With continuous application of LCFA solution, the dry weights of aerial and root parts increased by 9% and 23%, respectively, compared with those of control. The net photosynthetic rate of the LCFA treated plants also increased by about 30%, but the chlorophyll concentration in the leaf did not increase.Key Words：chlorophyll, net photosynthetic rate, promoting a root growth, stearyl alcohol