Pattern of selenium distribution in tomato Lycopersicum esculentum Mill

We studied the pattern of selenium accumulation in Lycopersicum esculentum Mill lants under conditions of selenium-enriched root and extraroot nutrition. Against the background of a general trend toward predominant selenium accumulation in the fruit skin, a higher level of accumulation of selenates (Se+6) than selenites (Se+4) was observed in the pulp. Application of Epin growth stimulant promoted selenium accumulation in the plants; its concentration in the pulp was comparable to the concentration after selenate application, while the level of the microelement accumulation in the fruit skin, leaves, and roots was 2.2, 2.4, and 1.4 times lower, respectively. Combined application of Epin and sodium selenate had virtually no effect on selenium accumulation in the pulp but increased the microelement content in the fruit skin and roots. Biological significance of the observed "boundary effect" of selenium as a manifestation of plant antioxidant protection is discussed.