We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Apoplastic Barrier Remodelling Is Associated With Genotype‐Dependent Microplastic Accumulation in Tomato Roots
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists found that different varieties of tomato plants absorb different amounts of microplastics through their roots, one variety took up about 19% more plastic than another. The key difference seems to be how strongly a plant's root cells build protective barriers (made of natural materials like cellulose and lignin) that block plastic particles from entering. This is promising news: it suggests plant breeders could one day develop crop varieties that naturally absorb less plastic, potentially reducing how much microplastic ends up in our food supply.
Microplastics (MPs) pollution has become an emerging environmental issue in agricultural soils, raising concerns about its accumulation in crops and potential transfer through the food chain. However, the mechanisms by which crop genotypes associated MPs uptake and accumulation remain largely unclear. Most previous studies have focused on single cultivars, overlooking intraspecific variability in MPs accumulation. Here, two tomato cultivars, 'AC' (high-accumulation) and 'M82' (low-accumulation), were used to investigate the uptake and accumulation of polystyrene (PS). After 14 days of exposure, the two cultivars showed similar biomass. However, 'AC' accumulated more PS in roots than 'M82' (≈ 19%), as quantified by Eu content (mg/kg, representing the amount of Eu-PS tracer labelling and indicating PS content), indicating genotype-dependent accumulation capacity. Spatial imaging revealed no significant cultivar difference in MPs uptake in the undifferentiated root tip; slight divergence appeared from the meristematic-to-elongation transition zone onward, whereas significant differences were observed in the maturation zone. Multi-omics analyses indicated that 'M82' exhibited enhanced accumulation of cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin, and lignin, which were associated with apoplastic barrier remodelling in the maturation zone and may be related to its lower PS accumulation. Collectively, these findings suggest that genotype-dependent apoplastic barrier traits are correlated with differential MPs accumulation in tomato roots, highlighting potential traits for future efforts to develop crop genotypes with reduced MPs uptake.
More Papers Like This
When Nano- and Microplastics Meet Taro (Colocasia esculenta) Roots: Their Size-Dependent Adsorption, Penetration, and Promotion on Secondary Wall Reinforcement
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed taro plants to different sizes of plastic particles and found that nanoplastics (50-100 nm) could penetrate root cells while larger microplastics (200-500 nm) could not. In response, the taro roots mounted a defense by thickening their cell walls by over 100%, successfully preventing the plastics from reaching the edible corm, which suggests some food crops may have natural defenses against plastic contamination in soil.
Absorption, accumulation, physiological responses, and mechanistic insights into tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) to polystyrene microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Tomato plants grown with polystyrene microplastics absorbed the particles through their roots and moved them into stems and leaves, with smaller particles and higher amounts building up more. Exposure reduced root growth, plant height and weight, increased oxidative stress markers, and altered gene activity and chemical processes linked to plant hormones and cell membranes.
Microplastics reshape rhizosphere microbial communities and nutrient cycling in tomato agroecosystems
AI summary Read the abstract
Tiny plastic particles from pollution are seeping into farm soil and disrupting the natural microbes that help tomato plants absorb nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. This research found that different types of plastic (like those from packaging and pipes) throw off soil chemistry and bacterial activity in ways that could affect how healthy and nutrient-rich our food crops grow. While this study looked at soil, not food safety directly, it adds to growing evidence that microplastic pollution may be quietly affecting the food system from the ground up.
Visual Trackingand Quantitative Analysis of PolystyreneNanoplastics Uptake and Transport across Various Tomato Varieties
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tracked uptake and transport of polystyrene nanoplastics across six tomato cultivars, finding significant varietal differences in accumulation and growth inhibition, with Heinz 1706 being most resistant (13% inhibition) and Moneymaker most sensitive (32% inhibition). Nanoplastics accumulated preferentially in roots and near the xylem in stems and leaves, with shoot concentrations substantially lower than root concentrations.
Mechanistic insights into the size-dependent bioaccumulation and phytotoxicity of polyethylene microplastics in tomato seedlings
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated how polyethylene microplastics of different sizes affect tomato seedlings and found that the smallest particles (1-50 micrometers) caused the most severe damage, reducing shoot weight by 42.3% and root length by 55.1%. The study revealed that microplastic uptake and toxicity are strongly size-dependent, with smaller particles more easily absorbed and translocated through plant tissues, triggering significant oxidative stress.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.