Boron shortage: the silent inhibitor of tomato yield and quality

Boron plays an indispensable role in plant growth, influencing key processes such as flowering and crop yield. However, its management is challenging due to the fine line between deficiency and toxicity. Boron deficiency is a widespread issue, affecting agriculture in over 130 countries. In plants, boron is vital for cell wall development, with a lack of it severely stunting growth, particularly in high-demand crops like tomatoes. Given these challenges, research into the effects of boron deficiency is crucial for optimizing plant health and crop performance.

A research team from Shanxi Agricultural University conducted this study (DOI: 10.1093/hr/uhad229), which was published in Horticulture Research on November 8, 2023. Focusing on the physiological and molecular responses of tomato seedlings to boron deficiency, the study used hydroponic systems to simulate stress conditions. The research offers fresh insights into how tomatoes adapt to boron scarcity, providing new avenues for enhancing the resilience of this key crop against nutrient deficiencies.

The study reveals that boron deficiency drastically hinders tomato root growth by suppressing genes crucial for cell wall structure, particularly those involved in producing pectin and cellulose. It also disrupts nitrogen metabolism, while shifting carbon pathways to the pentose phosphate pathway to meet energy demands under stress. The research highlights increased levels of copper, manganese, and iron, which help maintain chlorophyll content and support photosynthesis during the early stages of boron shortage. Additionally, the study shows a significant reduction in key growth hormones like jasmonic acid, abscisic acid, and salicylic acid, further impacting plant growth.

Dr. Jin Xu, the lead researcher, commented, “This study reveals critical molecular adaptations in tomatoes responding to boron deficiency. By understanding these mechanisms, we can pave the way for developing crop varieties that are more resilient to nutrient stress. These findings are a step forward in enhancing boron use efficiency, which is vital for sustainable agricultural practices.”

The implications of this research are significant for agriculture, especially in regions where boron deficiency is a persistent issue. The study’s insights can aid in breeding tomato varieties that are better equipped to handle nutrient stress, potentially leading to higher yields in challenging environments. Additionally, understanding how boron deficiency affects plants at the molecular level opens up possibilities for refining fertilizer strategies, minimizing both deficiency and toxicity risks, and improving overall crop management.

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References

DOI

10.1093/hr/uhad229

Original Source URL

https://doi.org/10.1093/hr/uhad229

Funding information

This research was supported by the China National Natural Sciences Foundation (32070314) to J.X., the Science and Technology Innovation Fund project of Shanxi Agricultural University (2020BQ24) to P.Z., and the Basic Research Program of Shanxi Province (Free Exploration) (20210302124369) to L.S.

About Horticulture Research

Horticulture Research is an open access journal of Nanjing Agricultural University and ranked number one in the Horticulture category of the Journal Citation Reports ™ from Clarivate, 2022. The journal is committed to publishing original research articles, reviews, perspectives, comments, correspondence articles and letters to the editor related to all major horticultural plants and disciplines, including biotechnology, breeding, cellular and molecular biology, evolution, genetics, inter-species interactions, physiology, and the origination and domestication of crops.