Cadmium exposure triggers genotype-dependent changes in seed vigor and germination of tomato offspring

Author(s)

Amaral Carvalho, Marcia Eugenia ^[1] ; Piotto, Fernando Angelo ^[1] ; Nogueira, Marina Lima ^[1] ; Gomes-Junior, Francisco Guilhien ^[2] ; Carmignani Pescarin Chamma, Helena Maria ^[2] ; Pizzaia, Daniel ^[1] ; Azevedo, Ricardo Antunes ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, ESALQ, Dept Genet, BR-13418900 Piracicaba, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, ESALQ, Dept Prod Vegetal, BR-13418900 Piracicaba, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: PROTOPLASMA; v. 255, n. 4, p. 989-999, JUL 2018.
• Web of Science Citations: 16

Abstract

Although negative effects on the offspring fitness can be triggered by the mother-plant exposure to environmental stresses, some plants are able to ``remember{''} past incidents and enhance the progeny tolerance. Here, the mineral profile, cytogenetic modifications, and physiological potential of seeds from two tomato cultivars, with contrasting tolerance degrees to cadmium (Cd) toxicity, were evaluated after plant exposure to this metal. Both cultivars exhibited high Cd translocation to the seeds; however, the tolerant tomato accumulated more Cd than did the sensitive one. As a consequence of the Cd accumulation, reductions in the Mn concentration in Cd-challenged plants were detected. Surprisingly, seed germination and vigor were increased in the tolerant tomato cultivar after Cd exposure, despite increases in the chromosomal abnormalities. By contrast, seeds from the sensitive cultivar exhibited no changes in their physiological potential after Cd exposure, despite Cd-induced reductions in the mitotic index. Moreover, bunch position exerted effects on the vigor and type of chromosomal abnormality. The results show that maternal plant exposure to Cd can affect tomato offspring by changing the seed physiological potential, and such effect can be partially explained by alterations in the seed-derived elements (essential and non-essential) and genotype-dependent tolerance mechanisms. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 09/54676-0 - Oxidative stress induced by metals: new approaches
• Grantee: Ricardo Antunes de Azevedo
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 13/15217-5 - INTEGRATED APPROACH OF ANATOMICAL, PHYSIOLOGICAL, BIOCHEMICAL AND MOLECULAR PARAMETERS FOR THE STUDY OF TOLERANCE MECHANISMS TO CADMIUM IN TOMATO ACCESSION
• Grantee: Marcia Eugenia Amaral de Carvalho
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate