Study on Characteristics of 125 I Absorption and Accumulation in Eggplants

Iodine fortification of plants is a means of improving the nutritional iodine status for humans. However, knowledge regarding iodine absorption and accumulation in plants remains limited. Hence, we used nutrient culture and isotope tracking methods, and the radioactivity of 125 I was measured by using a multi-channel spectrometer to study the characteristics of 125 I absorption and accumulation in an eggplant. The results showed that 125 I was detected in the stems and leaves after 20 min of incubation in the iodine-containing nutrient solution, while it took 40 min to be detected in fruits, indicating a relatively slow migration of 125 I from the roots to the fruits. The absorption and accumulation of 125 I by various organs of the eggplant significantly differed, with 125 I accumulation in the roots accounting for more than 80% of the whole plant (120 h), significantly higher than the above-ground parts. The absorption rate of all parts of the eggplant rapidly increased within a short period of 125 I treatment, peaking at 12 h for the roots and at 3 h for transferring to the stems, leaves, and fruits. The results of this study indicate that the transferability of 125 I from the roots to the over-ground parts of the eggplant is high, and eggplant fruits have the potential to continuously accumulate 125 I. It is feasible to select eggplant as an iodine-rich crop for cultivation.