TOMACOP · Copper homeostasis and the effects of copper deficiency on tomato plants and fruit quality

Copper homeostasis and the effects of copper deficiency on tomato plants and fruit quality

Copper (Cu) is a vital micronutrient acting as a double-edged sword in living beings because it is an essential redox-active cofactor in biological processes but is toxic when in excess. Suboptimal Cu levels in human diet can cause impaired neurological development and metabolic disorders. In plants, Cu plays important roles in key processes. Consequently, plants are also sensitive to Cu bioavailability in the soil. Thus, low Cu levels may result in impaired pollen development and viability and regulation of responses to iron deficiency, but its toxicity causes DNA damage, chlorosis and root growth inhibition, among other symptoms. Since plant nutritional deficiencies or excesses are transferred to consumers, deciphering the regulatory mechanisms underlying Cu uptake and distribution to edible products is crucial to prevent deficient or toxic Cu levels in horticultural crops that may ultimately affect human health. Furthermore, in Europe, around 20% of the arable land is classified as Cu deficient, which has been compensated by using Cu-enriched fertilizers. However, the EU warns that this practice implies high environmental costs and compromises food security for consumers. TOMACOP aimed to study the effects of Cu deficient availability in the soil on plant growth and development and on fruit nutritional status and quality by using tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) as experimental system. Major results indicate that deficient Cu availability had detrimental consequences on plant growth and yield and reduced the micronutritional value, marketability and postharvest quality of the fruit. The characterization of Cu homeostasis-related components and the identification of tissue-specificities in the molecular mechanisms regulating Cu uptake in this species has provided important clues for future biotechnological improvements aimed to solve the challenge facing EU agriculture.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union