[Pattern of selenium distribution in tomatoes Lycopersicum esculentum Mill]

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Plant Physiology
• Environmental Chemistry

Context:

• Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient with a narrow range between deficiency and toxicity.
• Understanding Se accumulation in crops like tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill) is crucial for both nutritional enhancement and managing potential toxicity.
• Plant responses to different selenium forms (selenate vs. selenite) and application methods (root vs. extra-root) require detailed investigation.

Purpose:

• To investigate the differential accumulation patterns of selenium in Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.
• To compare the effects of selenate (Se+6) and selenite (Se+4) on selenium distribution within plant tissues.
• To evaluate the influence of the Epin growth factor on selenium uptake and translocation.

Summary:

• Selenium accumulation in tomato plants showed a general trend towards higher concentrations in the fruit coat.
• Selenates resulted in greater selenium accumulation in the fruit pulp compared to selenites.
• The Epin growth factor promoted selenium accumulation in the pulp, while reducing it in other tissues; combined with sodium selenate, it enhanced fruit coat and root selenium levels.

Impact:

• Provides insights into optimizing selenium biofortification strategies in tomato cultivation.
• Highlights the role of selenium speciation and growth regulators in plant micronutrient management.
• Contributes to understanding plant defense mechanisms, particularly the 'boundary effect' of selenium as an antioxidant.