Ten tomato plants are germinated and maintained in a large tray with no drainage. After several weeks they all begin to wilt and die despite repeated watering and fertilization. The most likely cause of this die-off is

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The lack of drainage in the tray means that water is not able to escape, leading to waterlogged soil. This can lead to anoxic conditions where there is not enough oxygen for the plant roots to survive. The buildup of toxic substances in the soil can also occur, but this is likely a secondary effect of the anoxia. Competition for resources and organic nutrient depletion are possible causes, but they are less likely to cause such a sudden and widespread die-off. No room left for root growth may be a factor, but it is unlikely to be the main cause of the problem.

Ten Tomato Plants Are Germinated and Maintained in a Large