Combined Effects of Air Pollution and Drought Stress in Tomato Landraces

Abstract In Europe, agriculture has been seriously affected by the increased frequency of droughts. Agricultural fields are also exposed to traffic-related air pollution. Air pollution and drought elucidate simultaneous stress, which has been scarcely studied. The major objective of the study was to evaluate the combined effects of air pollution and drought stress on different tomato varieties/landraces. 3 commercial varieties as well as 2 Hungarian landraces were selected, effects of the combined stressors were evaluated based on biomass reduction and biochemical end-points such as photosynthetic pigments concentrations and peroxidase (POD) activity. Air pollution was simulated by treating test plants according to the No. 227 OECD Guideline. Differences were experienced in the sensitivity of varieties, landraces tested: the regional landrace ‘Tápiószelei’ proved the most tolerant to any combination of treatments. Results stress the importance of the cultivation of regional landraces to cope with environmental stress in a changing climate.