Effects of Different Forms and Proportions of Nitrogen on the Growth, Photosynthetic Characteristics, and Carbon and Nitrogen Metabolism in Tomato

Abstract

Optimal plant growth in many species is achieved when the two major forms of N are supplied at a particular ratio. This study investigated optimal nitrogen forms and ratios for tomato growth using the ‘Jingfan 502’ tomato variety. Thirteen treatments were applied with varying proportions of nitrate nitrogen (NN), ammonium nitrogen (AN), and urea nitrogen (UN). Results revealed that the combination of AN and UN inhibited tomato growth and photosynthetic capacity. Conversely, the joint application of NN and UN or NN and AN led to a significant enhancement in tomato plant growth. Notably, the T12 (75%UN:25%NN) and T4 (75%NN:25%AN) treatments significantly increased the gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, thereby promoting the accumulation of photosynthetic products. The contents of fructose, glucose, and sucrose were significantly increased by 121.07%, 206.26%, and 94.64% and by 104.39%, 156.42%, and 61.40%, respectively, compared with those in the control. Additionally, AN favored starch accumulation, while NN and UN favored fructose, sucrose, and glucose accumulation. Gene expression related to nitrogen and sugar metabolism increased significantly in T12 and T4, with T12 showing greater upregulation. Key enzyme activity in metabolism also increased notably. In summary, T12 enhanced tomato growth by upregulating gene expression, increasing enzyme activity, and boosting photosynthesis and sugar accumulation. Growers should consider using NN and UN to reduce AN application in tomato fertilization.