Diapositiva 1

1
UNIVERSITY OF NAPLES FEDERICO II DEPT.
AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD SCIENCES
Does ionizing radiation influence nutritional
value of fruits in dwarf tomato? How Space
constraints can trigger positive outcomes
De Micco V., Aronne G., De Pascale S., Paradiso
R., Vitaglione P., Arena C. demicco_at_unina.it
2
Space constraints
Stress conditions
Genetics
Structure and function
Physiology and biochemistry
3
Plants versus animals
Arena et al. 2014. Acta astronautica 104
419431 De Micco et. Al. 2011. Radiat Environ
Biophys 50 1-19
4
Aims
To evaluate the effect of different X-rays doses
on fruit traits of Solanum lycopersicum L.
Microtom plants irradiated at different phases
of the life cycle
5
Experimental design
6
Analyses
7
Completion of the life cycle
8
Reproductive phenology
9
Fruit anatomy
Anatomical responses are dependent on dose and
phenological phase at irradiation
Radiation-induced increased thickness of
sub-epidermal layers rich in phenolics
10
Autofluorescence of phenolics
Fluorescence due to phenolics increases according
to the stage of development at the time of
irradiation and according to the dose
11
Carotenoids and phenolics
12
Conclusions

• Radioresistence is strictly dependent on the dose
  and the phenological phase at the time of
  irradiation

• Very high doses in peculiar stages of plant
  development can be responsible for reproductive
  failure

• X-rays generally induce either an increase
  or decrease in cartenoids depending on single
  compounds

• Apart from a few compounds, X-rays induce an
  increase in phenolic compounds

13
General perspective
Aims
How to make more from less or from too much
How to transform a constraint into an opportunity
14
Many thanks!