Exogenous Pre-Harvest Treatment with Methyl Jasmonate and Chitosan Elicits Lycopene Biosynthesis in Tomato Plants

Undergraduate #137
Discipline: Biological Sciences
Subcategory: Plant Research

Jarrett Davis - Bowie State University
Co-Author(s): Anne Osano, Eric Bonsu, Norman Fultang

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In this study, we used exogenous pre-harvest treatment of tomato plants with Methyl Jasmonate (MeJA) and Chitosan to elicit lycopene biosynthesis and stimulate plant growth. Lycopene is a bright red carotene and carotenoid pigment found in tomatoes, carrots and other red fruits and vegetables. It is a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damage and blocks cancerous cell growth. Many studies suggest eating lycopene-rich foods may be directly linked to reduced risk of several cancers, heart disease and stroke, hence the need to enhance its levels in tomatoes. Tomato seeds were soaked in Methyl Jasmonate and Chitosan solutions of varying concentrations, then planted. The resulting plants were irrigated with the solutions used to soak the seeds, accordingly. The heights of the plants were recorded on a tri-weekly basis and high performance liquid chromatography used to observe the effects of the Methyl Jasmonate and Chitosan solutions on lycopene yields in the tomato fruits. Analysis of chromatograms obtained from tomato samples in the MeJA and Chitosan-treated groups showed enhanced levels of lycopene. Plant growth was not significantly affected by treatment with MeJA. Chitosan, however, noticeably increased plant growth over 7 weeks.

Funder Acknowledgement(s): NSF

Faculty Advisor: Anne Osano, asano@bowiestate.edu

Role: I made three solutions of MeJA will need to be prepared with the respective concentrations, .5uM, 5uM, and 10uM. I planted all the seeds and watered all the plants. I harvested the tomatoes and conducted extractions. Lastly, I ran HPLC.