Exploring the Role of Active Photosynthetic Pigments in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) Crop Growth Process

Abstract

Photosynthesis is a necessary process for plants during which light energy is absorbed via pigments present in leaves for essential processes and needs of the particular plant. This work identified and studied the active photosynthetic pigments in tomato crop (Solanum lycopersicum) at each growth stage and grown in an open field under Sahelian conditions. Phytochemical screening, UV-visible and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and thin layer chromatography analyses were done on tomatoes leaves samples. The results, first, revealed the presence of phytoconstituents such as triterpenoids and carotenoids. Then, UV spectra combined with FTIR and thin layer chromatography showed that chlorophylls (a and b), xanthophyll (lutein) and carotene (mostly β) are being synthesized at different proportions during all growth stages. Besides, the photosynthetic pigments showed more activity during the flowering stage than at the other growth stages. The various action spectra showed intense absorption within the intervals 400 – 510 nm and 560 – 710 nm which seem to be vital radiation ranges for photosynthesis.  Knowing these optimum plant’s needs can help in a choice of better outdoor and indoor cultivation conditions that can ensure necessary radiations for optimum plant growth.