Content and Distribution of Macroelements, Microelements, and Rare-Earth Elements in Different Tomato Varieties as a Promising Tool for Monitoring the Distinction between the Integral and Organic Systems of Production in Zeleni hit—Official Enza and Vitalis Trial and Breeding Station

Abstract

The identification of agricultural food production systems has gained importance in order to protect both human health and the environment. The importance of organic production system of agriculture which involves the application of natural processes and substances, and limits or completely eliminates the use of synthesized means is emphasized. Knowledge of the mineral composition in tomato samples can be used as a potent tool in the identification of chemical markers as potential indicators of the farming system. A set of tomato samples taken from two factorial randomized trials were comprehended eight different varieties, belonging to four tomato types: large—BEEF and CLUSTER, and mini and midi—CHERRY and PLUM tomatoes, cultivated under two different farming systems: integral (IPM) and organic (O) were characterized based on the composition of the minerals. A total of 44 elements were quantified. To establish criteria for the classification of the samples and confirm a unique set of parameters of variation among the types of production, sophisticated chemometric techniques were used. The results indicate that the accumulation of elements varies between 8 tomato varieties and 2 different growing systems. The contents of Al, Mn, As, Pb, and some of the rare-earth elements (REEs) are able to distinguish between production types. Examination of different hybrids, which belong to different types in two production systems: organic and integral within Zeleni hit (official Enza and Vitalis trial and breeding station), was done with the aim of reaching a methodology of diversification, ie complete traceability of organic production, and to contribute to distinguishing types of agricultural systems and enhancing the possibility of acquiring a valuable authenticity factor about the type of agricultural production system employed for the cultivation of tomatoes.

The Effects of Differentiated Organic Fertilization on Tomato Production and Phenolic Content in Traditional and High-Yielding Varieties

“…An increase in Mo was observed in plants treated with the N-poor+C fertilizer, even though this treatment was Mo-poor. An essential micronutrient for plant growth, Mo is usually found in low concentrations in most plant tissues [ 36 ]. The availability of Mo depends on soil pH, the concentration of absorbing oxides, the extent of water drainage, and the organic compounds found in the soil colloids.…”

“…No significant differences were observed in the S content, although a small increase was associated with the N-rich treatment. S is necessary for the normal metabolic processes of plants and is especially important for the biosynthesis of chlorophyll [ 36 ].…”

Methods for Rapid Screening of Biologically Active Compounds Present in Plant-Based Extracts

“…For the proper growth of plants, seventeen elements are required (i.e., C, H, O, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Zn, Mn, B, Cu, Mo, Cl, Ni) [ 92 , 93 ]. The carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen are uptaken from carbon dioxide and water, while the remaining elements, termed mineral nutrients, are from the soil [ 92 , 94 ]. The mineral nutrients are divided into two groups: macronutrients (consisting of elements in large supply, such as Ca, K, Mg, N, P, S) and micronutrients (usually needed in small amounts, such as B, Cl, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Zn) [ 92 ].…”

“…The mineral nutrients are divided into two groups: macronutrients (consisting of elements in large supply, such as Ca, K, Mg, N, P, S) and micronutrients (usually needed in small amounts, such as B, Cl, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Zn) [ 92 ]. The demand of living organisms for micronutrients is low, yet despite this, micronutrients are crucial for the essential cell functions and can significantly affect the growth and quality of plants, as well as the health of animals and humans [ 94 , 95 ]. Sufficient intake of these elements may help in the prevention or treatment of varied ailments (e.g., arterial hypertension and bone demineralization) and hidden hunger.…”

“…Sufficient intake of these elements may help in the prevention or treatment of varied ailments (e.g., arterial hypertension and bone demineralization) and hidden hunger. Plants are a good source of these minerals and should be an integral part of the human diet [ 94 ]. However, the mineral content of plants depends on their species and parts as well as growth conditions, in particular, their geographic location, soil constitution, water source, irrigation, and type of fertilisers [ 96 ].…”