Combined effects of difenoconazole and salinity stress on growth, photosynthetic pigments, and oxidative responses in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.).

Combined exposure to difenoconazole and salinity causes significant growth reduction and severe pigment degradation in tomato seedlings, with chlorophyll b decreasing by 84%.

• Why it matters: Understanding the joint effects of pesticides and salinity is vital as these stressors often coexist in agricultural environments, threatening crop health and productivity.
• What they did: The study applied difenoconazole (0.5 L ha-1) and NaCl (150 mM) to tomato seedlings, evaluating morpho-physiological, oxidative, and biochemical responses, including enzyme activities and metabolite levels.
• The result: Findings reveal that co-exposure triggers complex, primarily synergistic phytotoxic responses, impairing growth, photosynthesis, and antioxidant defenses, highlighting the need for integrated risk management strategies.