Influence of Grafting on the Copper Concentration in Tomato Fruits under Elevated Soil Salinity

Abstract

Salinity is one of the most important ecological problems that affect irrigated agriculture in the world. Increased soil salinity inhibits plant growth through osmotic and ionic stress, but can also decrease availability of certain micronutrients. Copper is an essential metal for normal plant growth and development that participates in numerous biochemical and physiological processes and it is an essential cofactor for many metalloproteins. Copper concentration in two commercial tomato cultivars (grafted and non-grafted) was investigated under different levels of elevated soil salinity. Soil with EC 9.1 dS m-1 led to the highest copper deficiency, approximately by 37% in the non-grafted and 25% in the grafted tomato plants. The effect of a grafting technique is considered as an environmentally friendly tool for overcoming soil salinity problem.

Enhancing salinity tolerance in cucumber through Selenium biofortification and grafting

“…Proline is one of the compatible substances most plants produce under stress conditions and helps maintain osmotic balance. In fact, the increase of proline in plants under salinity stress is the plant’s reaction to reducing water potential in the root environment [ 78 ]. By lowering the osmotic potential of root cells, proline creates water and nutrient absorption conditions.…”

“…The amount of flavonoids is significantly affected by environmental conditions. When a plant detects stress, its defensive mechanism, which includes flavonoids, is activated and strengthened to deal with the stress [ 78 ].…”

“…ultimately causing the leakage of materials the cell and cell death. Plants can clear these free radicals against oxidative stress using their antioxidant system, which includes ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and non-enzymatic antioxidants like ascorbate, glutathione, and alphatocopherol, according to the findings of this study [ 78 ]. By increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes, Se causes the removal of active oxygen and, as a result, reduces the oxidation of lipids in membranes and the surface of malondialdehyde [ 87 ].…”

Physiological and Biochemical Responses of Ungrafted and Grafted Bell Pepper Plants (Capsicum annuum L. var. grossum (L.) Sendtn.) Grown under Moderate Salt Stress

“…Most previous studies have investigated biochemical responses of plants to salt treatment, while few have investigated instead the biochemical responses of fruit. For instance, Koleška et al [ 58 ] reported that moderate salinity led to their greatest reductions in flavonoids in ungrafted tomato plants, while at the same time, it caused the highest increase in flavonoids in the fruit. This suggested that the phenolics are transported via the phloem from the leaves to the fruit, where their antioxidant protection occurs.…”