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Flow of Chromium into Apple Fruit during Development
D R Coahran1, R C Maxwell, M Zucker
1Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99163.
Plant Physiology
|July 1, 1973
Summary
Chromium continuously moves into apples during growth, similar to essential trace elements. This contrasts with the limited uptake of heavy metals like mercury and cadmium.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Environmental Science
- Plant Physiology
Background:
- Understanding elemental uptake in crops is crucial for food safety and agricultural productivity.
- Chromium's behavior in plants is not fully understood, particularly its translocation within fruit.
- Essential trace elements and heavy metals exhibit distinct movement patterns in plants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the continuous movement and accumulation of chromium in apples throughout their development.
- To compare chromium's translocation in apples with that of essential trace elements and toxic heavy metals.
Main Methods:
- Continuous monitoring of chromium uptake in apple trees during the growing season.
- Comparative analysis of chromium's movement against established data for boron, zinc, iron, copper, manganese, mercury, and cadmium.
Main Results:
- A continuous influx of chromium into apples was observed throughout the entire growth period.
- The movement pattern of chromium in apples mirrors that of essential trace elements.
- Chromium's translocation differs significantly from the restricted movement characteristic of mercury and cadmium.
Conclusions:
- Chromium exhibits a high degree of mobility within apple fruit, similar to essential nutrients.
- The uptake and translocation mechanisms for chromium in apples align with those of essential trace elements, not heavy metals.
- This suggests apples may accumulate chromium readily, necessitating further investigation into its bioavailability and potential impact.