Choline applications alleviate Cd uptake and toxicity of Solanum lycopersicum seedlings

Abstract

In this study, cadmium (Cd) stress, one of the most common heavy metal pollutants, was investigated and the effect of exogenous choline applications before and after Cd stress on reducing Cd uptake and toxicity in Solanum lycopersicum seedlings was determined. Choline is a natural molecule effective in stress tolerance and is thought to be effective in Cd stress tolerance in tomato plants. In our study, growth parameters of tomato plants, photosynthetic pigment content, changes in Cd accumulation depending on choline applications before and after Cd stress, oxidative stress state (malondialdehyde (MDA) content and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) amount) caused by Cd stress were investigated. The effect of the antioxidant defense system on Cd stress tolerance was also investigated, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the enzymatic system and glutathione (GSH) and ascorbic acid (AsA) in the non-enzymatic system. When choline was applied to Solanum lycopersicum seedlings before cadmium stress, there was a reduction in Cd accumulation in roots and leaves and significant improvements in plant performance. Our research provides results that will enhance the quality and efficiency of crop production in heavy metal-polluted areas under today's conditions.