Ozone sensitivity of currant tomato (Lycopersicon pimpinellifolium), a potential bioindicator species

Environ Pollut. 2006 May;141(2):275-82. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2005.08.046. Epub 2005 Oct 28.

Abstract

The wild tomato species Lycopersicon pimpinellifolium (currant tomato) was exposed to different O3 concentration, both in controlled environment fumigation facilities and in open-top chambers, to assess its sensitivity and to verify its potential as a bioindicator plant. Plants appeared particularly sensitive to O3 at an early stage of growth, responding with typical chlorotic spots within 24 h after exposure to a single pulse of 50 ppb for 3 h, and differentiating peculiar symptoms, such as reddish necrotic stipples, bronzing and extensive necrosis, depending on O3 concentration. Histo-cytochemical investigations with 3,3'-diaminobenzidine, to localize H2O2, and Evans blue, to detect dead cells, suggested that currant tomato sensitivity to O3 could be due to a deficiency in the anti-oxidant pools. The combination of these stainings proved to be useful, either to predict visible symptoms, early before their appearance, and to validate leaf ozone injury.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers / analysis
  • Cell Death / drug effects
  • Environmental Exposure
  • Environmental Monitoring / methods
  • Fumigation / methods
  • Hydrogen Peroxide / analysis
  • Nicotiana / drug effects
  • Oxidants, Photochemical / pharmacology*
  • Ozone / pharmacology*
  • Plant Leaves / drug effects
  • Plant Leaves / physiology
  • Solanum lycopersicum / drug effects*
  • Solanum lycopersicum / physiology

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Oxidants, Photochemical
  • Ozone
  • Hydrogen Peroxide