Behavior of Cuban Tomato Cultivars (Solanum lycopersicum L.) under Different Salinity Conditions

Context: Soil salinization is currently one of the most serious problems facing agriculture, as it significantly affects food production; for this reason, it is necessary to study cultivars that are tolerant to these conditions for their inclusion in the country's production schemes. Aim: To select 14 tomato cultivars (Solanum lycopersicum L.), based on their tolerance to salinity. Methods: The tolerance of 14 tomato cultivars to different concentrations of sodium chloride (NaCl) (50 mM, 150 mM, 200 mM) was studied under in vitro conditions. For this purpose, the germination percentage (GP) and the germination rate index (GRI) of the seeds were determined, as described by the Maguire index. Results: Among the 14 tomato cultivars (Solanum lycopersicum L.) studied, T60 and FL-5 were selected as promising in terms of germination percentage (GP) at a concentration of 50 mM NaCl, with no significant differences between them compared to the others. It was followed by M-78, with an 80% germination rate at this salt concentration, making it a promising material for use in agroecosystems affected by this condition. All of them showed differences in the seed germination rate index. Regarding the germination rate index (GRI), T60 and M-78 stood out in the control group, with no significant differences between them. At 50 mM, FL-5 led, followed by T60, M-78, and CV-28, with no significant differences among the latter. The remaining cultivars studied did not tolerate the salinity levels evaluated. Conclusions: Among the 14 cultivars studied for germination percentage (GP) at 50 mM NaCl, the T60 and FL-5 cultivars stood out with superior results, showing no significant differences between them compared to the others. M-78 follows, with an 80% germination rate at this salt concentration, making it a promising candidate for use in agroecosystems affected by salinity.