ABSORPTION OF CR AND EFFECTS ON MICRONUTRIENT CONTENT IN TOMATO PLANT(LYCOPERSICON-ESCULENTUM M)

An experiment developed in soilless culture was carried out to test Cr distribution and accumulation in Lycopersicum esculentum M. cv. Marma nde. Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn and B were also determined in order to check the e ffects of Cr on these micronutrients. Three treatments were establishe d using different Cr concentrations: 0, 50 and 100 mg Cr3+ per liter o f nutrient solution. Cr3+ ions seem to be efficiently absorbed by the roots. Cr3+ transport to other vegetable parts was very low and Cr val ues in the stems and leaves were two orders of magnitude lower than th ose found in the roots. Cr levels in the fruits were below the limit o f detection using AAS-graphite furnace. Cr was seen to have a negative effect on Fe absorption competitive interaction between Cr and Cu in the roots, stems and leaves was confirmed. Mn was not clearly influenc ed. Boron-Chromium interactions showed a synergism in root absorption; nevertheless, in the stems and leaves, an antagonistic effect was obs erved. In the fruits, no effect of the Cr treatments was seen on Fe, M n, Cu and Zn contents. Boron concentration increased with Cr level in nutrient solution.