Comparing Cadmium Tolerance in Two Types of Tomato Plants

Jenn Hoskins
3rd July, 2024

Comparing Cadmium Tolerance in Two Types of Tomato Plants

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study by Shaanxi University of Technology examined how two tomato varieties, Yellow Cherry and Yellow Pearl, respond to cadmium (Cd) contamination in soil
  • Yellow Pearl accumulated significantly lower Cd in its fruit, making it safe for cultivation in soils with Cd levels up to 0.6 mg/kg
  • Yellow Cherry showed strong Cd tolerance, suggesting it could be useful for cleaning up Cd-contaminated soils through phytoremediation
Cadmium (Cd) contamination in soil is a significant environmental issue, affecting plant growth and food safety. Understanding how different varieties of Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) respond to Cd exposure is crucial for both agriculture and environmental management. A recent study conducted by Shaanxi University of Technology investigated the Cd tolerance and accumulation characteristics of two tomato cultivars, Yellow Cherry and Yellow Pearl, to identify varieties suitable for cultivation in Cd-contaminated soils[1]. The study utilized a soil pot planting method, introducing varying concentrations of Cd (0, 0.6, 1.5, 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg) to analyze changes in Cd content, biomass, photosynthetic pigment content, and photosynthetic parameters of the two tomato cultivars. The primary goal was to screen for low-accumulation cultivars that could be safely grown in Cd-contaminated areas. Results indicated that both Yellow Cherry and Yellow Pearl are Cd-sensitive plants, but they exhibited different responses to Cd exposure. Yellow Cherry showed significant changes in Cd accumulation, photosynthetic parameters, and biomass at Cd concentrations as low as 0.6 mg/kg and 1.5 mg/kg, respectively. In contrast, Yellow Pearl demonstrated significant differences in Cd accumulation in roots and leaves at 0.6 mg/kg, with other indicators showing significant changes at 1.5 mg/kg. Notably, Yellow Pearl accumulated significantly lower Cd in its fruit (0.04 mg/kg) at a soil Cd concentration of 0.6 mg/kg, making it a low-accumulation variety suitable for cultivation in Cd-contaminated soils up to this concentration. This Cd level is below the limit specified for fresh vegetables, suggesting that Yellow Pearl can be safely grown and consumed when soil Cd levels are ≤0.6 mg/kg. Meanwhile, Yellow Cherry showed strong Cd tolerance, making it a potential candidate for the remediation of Cd-contaminated soils through phytoremediation. The findings of this study align with previous research on the impacts of Cd on tomato plants. For instance, a study assessed the response of different tomato cultivars to Cd exposure, focusing on oxidative stress indicators and physicochemical features of fruits[2]. It was found that high Cd levels in the substrate did not affect several fruit quality parameters, indicating that tomatoes possess buffering mechanisms against Cd toxicity. This supports the current study's observation that Yellow Pearl can maintain low Cd levels in its fruit despite soil contamination. Additionally, earlier research demonstrated the role of selenium in mitigating Cd stress in tomato seedlings, highlighting the enhancement of antioxidant enzyme activities and reduction of Cd uptake[3]. While the current study did not explore the use of selenium, the findings suggest that similar protective mechanisms might be at play in Yellow Pearl, contributing to its low Cd accumulation in fruits. In conclusion, the study by Shaanxi University of Technology provides valuable insights into the Cd tolerance and accumulation characteristics of Yellow Cherry and Yellow Pearl tomato cultivars. Yellow Pearl emerges as a promising variety for safe cultivation in Cd-contaminated soils, while Yellow Cherry shows potential for use in phytoremediation efforts. These findings contribute to the broader understanding of managing Cd contamination in agricultural soils and ensuring food safety.

AgricultureEnvironmentPlant Science

References

Main Study

1) A comparative study on cadmium tolerance and applicability of two Solanum lycopersicum L. cultivars.

Published 2nd July, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-024-34105-z

Related Studies

2) Tolerance of tomato to cadmium-induced stress: analyzing cultivars with different fruit colors.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-13553-x

3) Selenium mitigates cadmium-induced oxidative stress in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plants by modulating chlorophyll fluorescence, osmolyte accumulation, and antioxidant system.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s00709-017-1162-4


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