YPIE Scientist: Stephanie Barros

Research: Vitamin C and B1 Enhance the Growth and Reduce Fusarium Wilt Severity in Hydroponically Grown Cherry Tomato Plants​

Awards: WESEF 2025 - Creative Approach to Research Award, Regeneron Science Talent Search 2025, Somers Science Fair- 3rd in Plant Science category,

Abstract:

Cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme) is a popular crop grown across the region. Fusarium wilt is a common pathogenetic fungal disease that has negatively affected tomato crop production worldwide. This disease originates from the soil-borne fungus Fusarium oxysporum, which has affected many other plants, primarily food crops. Pathogenetic diseases are more likely to spread through plants as tomato production methods rely on soil-based cultivation. Hydroponic systems are a soilless cultivation technique that provides an alternative and efficient way for sustainable growth and increased crop yields. ​​This study aims to assess the potential of using Vitamin C and B1 supplementation in mitigating the severity of Fusarium wilt symptoms in hydroponic grown cherry tomato plants. A controlled experiment was conducted where cherry tomato plants were grown hydroponically and inoculated with Fusarium wilt. The experimental groups which were two out of the three bins received supplementatiwon of Vitamin C and B1, while the control group did not. Plant height, leaf wilting, yellowing of leaves, fruit yield and disease severity were monitored over 9 weeks. Initial results that were observed across the first three weeks suggested that the use of Vitamin B1 in the plants in Bin 1 were stronger in making the plant more resilient to the disease compared to the plants in Bin 2 with Vitamin C. Clear observational details such as a difference in fruit yield and overall root health between both Bin 1 and 2, demonstrated the specific vitamin supplementation that is more potent and stronger to help cherry tomato plants grow against fusarium wilt. Hydroponically growing cherry tomato plants in Yonkers will eliminate the need for transporting them and emitting harmful gasses into the air. The results of this study will help in the development of strategies for controlling Fusarium wilt, in future tomato production and will provide important information into the resilience of tomato plants to this disease through the use of hydroponic systems. This study aimed to test the resilience of cherry tomato plants to Fusarium wilt, using hydroponics to improve crop production and reduce economic losses for farmers.

Presentation Slides

About this Scientist:

Senior at Yonkers High School, Stephanie Barros will be attending Dickinson College, majoring in pre-health and environmental studies in the fall. She has designed her project involving building hydroponic systems and analyzing plant physiology. In college, Stephanie wants to continue her scientific research working with professors while pursuing her career.