Foliar-Supplied Molybdenum Improves Phyto-Nutritional Composition of Leaves and Fruits of Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.)

Muhammad Moaaz Ali,Binqi Li,Faxing Chen,Ahmed Fathy Yousef,Cao Zhi

doi:10.3390/agronomy11050892

Abstract

This study was conducted to analyze the effect of molybdenum (Mo) on the level of macronutrients (Mg, K, Ca), micronutrients (Na, Zn, B, Mo, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu) and toxic elements (Cd, Sn, As, Cr, Hg, Pb) in leaves and fruit tissues (peel, pulp & seed) of loquat using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Fruits were obtained from a loquat orchard located in Fujian (Yun Xiao/Zhangzhou). Loquat leaves showed 3.99, 23.90, 57.68 and 9.79-fold increase in the concentrations of Mg, K, Ca and B as affected by exogenously applied Mo, while a significant (p ≤ 0.05) reduction was observed in Na, Mo, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Sn, As, Cr, Hg, and Pb contents. In fruit peel, Mo induced 1.05, 1.56, 2.26, 1.15, 1.39, 1.30 and 1.89-fold increase in Mg, K, Na, Zn, B, Co and Ni, respectively, and Mo, Mn, Fe, Cu, Cr, and Pb contents were reduced. Fruit pulp showed elevated contents of Na, B, Co, Ni, and Sn by 25.65, 26.57, 70.09, 12.33 and 0.99%, respectively, and decreased concentrations of Mg, K, Ca, Zn, Mo, Mn, Fe, Cu, Cd, and Cr. Similarly, in loquat seeds, under the influence of Mo application, levels of K, Na, Zn, Fe, and Cr were uplifted by 14.75, 41.54, 12.71, 536.47 and 656.27%, respectively, while Mg, Ca, Mn, Co, Cu, Sn, and Hg were reduced significantly (p ≤ 0.05). Overall, mineral concentrations detected in the leaves and fruit tissues of loquat were greatly influenced by the application of Mo. Although the concentration of Sn in fruit pulp was increased by the foliar application of Mo, the fruits were under safe limits for human consumption.

Highlights

Fruits and vegetables are low in energy content but have high nutritive value [1,2].They are a rich source of vitamins, fibers, and minerals which are much essential for the human body [3]
The results showed gradual increase in macronutrients with the foliar application of 0.05% ammonium molybdate from mature green fruiting stage to full ripe stage, except in case of Mg, when Mg contents were higher at mature green stage than full ripe stage (Table 2)
There were differences in the concentrations of nutrients and heavy metals between leaves and fruit tissues of loquat observed on three different maturity stages i.e., immature green, mature green, and full ripe stage (Table 1–13)

Summary

Introduction

Fruits and vegetables are low in energy content but have high nutritive value [1,2]. They are a rich source of vitamins, fibers, and minerals which are much essential for the human body [3]. The sufficient intake of fruits and vegetables can remove saturated fats and sugars from the body and enhance the consumption of healthy nutrients and dietary fiber [4]. To avoid certain cardiovascular diseases, it is recommended to consume 440 g fresh fruits and vegetables per day [5]. It is very important to investigate the mineral contents of fruits and vegetables [7] Heavy metals can influence the function of the nervous system, and cause mental illness by affecting the blood circulatory system [6].

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion