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Assessing tomato germplasm for potentially toxic elements tolerance using physiological and genomic markers.
Shameem Raja1, Asif Ali2, Fozia Farhat1
1Department of Botany, Faculty of Science & Technology, Government College Women University, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
International Journal of Phytoremediation
|November 21, 2025
Summary
This study identified specific tomato genotypes tolerant to potentially toxic elements (PTEs) found in wastewater irrigation. These metal-tolerant varieties offer a sustainable solution for crop production in contaminated areas, enhancing food security.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Environmental Science
- Plant Genetics
Background:
- Freshwater scarcity necessitates the use of wastewater for agricultural irrigation.
- Wastewater irrigation introduces potentially toxic elements (PTEs) into crops, posing risks to food safety and environmental health.
- Understanding plant genetic tolerance to PTEs is crucial for developing safe and sustainable agricultural practices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the genetic tolerance of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) genotypes to PTEs (Ni, Pb, Mn, Zn, Cr) when irrigated with wastewater.
- To screen and identify tomato genotypes that accumulate lower levels of PTEs or exhibit tolerance mechanisms.
- To evaluate the expression of metallothionein (MT) and heat shock protein (HSP) genes involved in metal tolerance.
Main Methods:
- Grew 44 tomato genotypes under field conditions using sewage water (T1) and canal water (T2) for irrigation.
- Screened genotypes for PTE accumulation in vegetative and reproductive parts.
- Validated selected genotypes under hydroponic conditions and analyzed gene expression of MT and HSP using RT-PCR.
Main Results:
- Genotype PB-017906 was identified as the most metal-tolerant, while genotype 10592 was high-yielding.
- Significant upregulation of MT and HSP genes was observed in response to PTE stress, particularly in genotypes like 'Riograndi' under lead (Pb) exposure.
- PB-017906 showed minimal MT gene upregulation under high Pb concentrations, indicating a robust tolerance mechanism.
Conclusions:
- Tomato germplasm exhibits significant genetic variability in tolerance to PTEs.
- Selected tolerant genotypes (e.g., PB-017906) are suitable for sustainable agriculture in regions with wastewater irrigation.
- These genotypes can be utilized for breeding programs aimed at developing tomatoes with reduced PTE bioavailability and improved yields, contributing to food security and environmental protection.
