Anatomical changes in cherry tomato plants caused by boron deficiency

Abstract

Boron is one of the micronutrients that mostly limits crop yield in Brazil, especially for tomato. When boron is deficient, there is initially growth reduction in meristematic tissues (root ends and branches), although for tomato, this behavior has not yet been characterized. The aim of this work was to characterize the effects of boron deficiency on biometric characteristics, anatomical changes and deficiency symptoms in cherry tomato plants. For this, cherry tomato plants of cultivar Sindy were cultivated in nutrient solution and submitted to two treatments: (1) complete nutrient solution; and (2) nutrient solution without boron. Sixty days after seedling transplanting, phytotechnical and anatomical characteristics of leaves, stems and roots were evaluated. Drastic anatomical changes were observed in plants deficient in boron, both in leaves and stems. Disorganized vascular bundle, as well as xylem and phloem, with atypical cellular composition was observed. The root development was also affected by boron deficiency showing elongation restriction and apical meristematic necrosis, which compromised the long distance transport in the plant. This affected mainly the inflorescence formation and consequently reduce the fruit production.

Boron lack affects the anatomy of leaf, stem and root of cherry tomato

“…B deficiency causes disruption in pectate deposition and middle lamella formation. It also causes rapid hardening of the cell wall, controlling the arrangement of the microfibrils of xyloglucans and cellulose, which does not allow a normal increase in cell volume, limiting cell division and differentiation, primarily in meristematic tissues (Mengel and Kirkby 2001;Liu et al 2014). The height growth of the plant is also impaired since B has a direct effect on the formation of xylem vessels.…”

“…The main known function of this micronutrient is related to the synthesis, constitution and regulation of cell walls and membranes, which characterizes its structural function and insignificant phloem redistribution (Bolaños et al 2004). B deficiency in plants primarily causes metabolic, morphological and anatomical changes (Liu et al 2014;Milagres et al 2019), then it results in symptoms at morphological level, which also compromises fruit yield and most of fruit quality (White and Broadley 2003;Fontes 2011). Because of the rapid development of tomato and the low transpiration rate of buds and fruits compared with leaves (Kinet and Peet 2006), the lack of B is responsible for the disruption and death of the meristematic tissues.…”

“…Because of the rapid development of tomato and the low transpiration rate of buds and fruits compared with leaves (Kinet and Peet 2006), the lack of B is responsible for the disruption and death of the meristematic tissues. This occurs due to the limitations imposed on cell division and differentiation (Mengel and Kirkby 2001;Milagres et al 2019), resulting in restriction to leaf expansion and overall plant growth (Liu et al 2014). The limitation on growth and morphological alterations of the root system are the most evident symptoms of B deficiency and lead to drastic reduction in plant growth (Hajiboland et al 2012;Milagres et al 2019).…”

“…This occurs due to the limitations imposed on cell division and differentiation (Mengel and Kirkby 2001;Milagres et al 2019), resulting in restriction to leaf expansion and overall plant growth (Liu et al 2014). The limitation on growth and morphological alterations of the root system are the most evident symptoms of B deficiency and lead to drastic reduction in plant growth (Hajiboland et al 2012;Milagres et al 2019). These effects begin with inhibition of cell division and stretching, cell hypertrophy and disruption of vascular elements of the roots, which progress to the shoot organs, causing water unbalance in the plant, hindering the absorption, transport and gas exchanges, which ultimately affect photosynthesis (Wimmer and Eichert 2013).…”

Effects of Application Methods of Boron on Tomato Growth, Fruit Quality and Flavor

“…When in boron-deficient conditions, plants have reduced photosynthetic capacity, thereby preventing cell division and development in chickpea plants [15]. Boron promotes the absorption of calcium and increases the content of vitamin C in the fruit by improving membrane integrity, slowing biosynthesis and reducing respiration in cherry tomato [16]. Davis et al [17] found leaf sprays of boron increased shelf life of tomato fruit.…”