Changes in oxalic acid and mineral contents of tomato plant under salinity stress

Abstract

The synthesis of oxalic acid in the plant and its relations with other minerals in plant biochemistry were investigated under saline growing conditions. The effects of NaCl salt applied to the nutrient solution at concentrations of 0, 25, 50 and 75 mM on the mineral nutrients and oxalic acid contents of the leaves, roots and fruits of the tomato plant were
examined. NaCl applied to the soil significantly decreased the vegetative, root and fruit dry matter amounts of the tomato plant and the N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu contents in these parts of the plant. The oxalic acid content of the plant also decreased with increasing salt concentration. Ca and oxalic acid contents of the plant were determined at different levels in the vegetative, root and fruit organs of the plant. Depending on the applied NaCl levels, significant
decreases were recorded in the total and soluble oxalic acid and Ca levels of the plant. Physiologically effective oxalic acid in tomato plant was recorded only in fruits with low Ca content. The data confirm the effect of salinity on Ca nutrition and show the effects of ion interaction on oxalic acid synthesis in plants.