Ionomic Analysis of Horticultural Plants Reveals Tissue-specific Element Accumulation

Ionomic analysis was performed in three diverse fruit crops in order to characterize element concentrations in edible parts and to compare element concentrations between edible parts and vegetative organs and between species. Nineteen elements, including elements essential for human health, toxic elements, and elements with radioisotopes from nuclear reactors, were analyzed in apple (Malta domestica), Japanese pear (Pyrus pyrifolia), eggplant (Solanum melongena), and edamame (Glycine max). The concentrations of elements were shown as basic information needed for biofortification, and high mobilities depending on plant species were found for some elements whose mobilities are believed to be low. Classification of element profiles into the leaf (or the leaf blade) and other organs containing edible parts, except the calyx, by principal component analysis revealed similarity in the element concentrations across species. The present study may contribute to progress in the ionomic studies of fruit crops.